Infant bottle system

ABSTRACT

An infant bottle feeding system includes an infant bottle with a chamber that receives a liquid, heating or cooling elements operable to heat or cool liquid in the chamber and sensors operable to sense parameters of the liquid in the chamber. The system optionally includes an electronic base removably attached to a bottom surface of the infant bottle and operable to deliver power to electronics in the infant bottle. The system optionally includes a thermal cover that fits over the infant bottle and releasably couples to the electronic base to enclose the infant bottle, the thermal cover insulating the infant bottle and inhibiting heat loss of the liquid in the chamber. The electronic base delivers power to the heating elements and sensors in the infant bottle only when the infant bottle is on the electronic base. The infant bottle, thermal cover and electronic base define a single travel pack unit when coupled together.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention is directed to an actively heated drinkware container, andmore particularly to an actively heated or cooled infant bottle system.

Description of the Related Art

Existing systems for heating milk in infant bottles suffer from variousproblems that make them difficult to use or inconvenient for use byparents and caregivers in preparing heated milk to feed an infant. Suchproblems include lack of portability, and the inability to readily heatthe milk for consumption by the infant (e.g., during nighttime feedings,while traveling, etc.), and the inability to maintain the milk in acooled state before the milk is fed to the baby.

SUMMARY

There is a need for an improved infant bottle system (e.g., baby bottle,sippy cup) that does not have the drawbacks of existing systems. Inaccordance with one aspect of the invention, an improved infant bottlesystem (e.g., baby bottle, sippy cup) is provided that maintains thecontents (e.g., water, milk, breast milk, infant formula, etc.) in thecontainer in a cooled state for an extended period of time (e.g., whiletraveling or commuting), and that can readily and controllably heat thecontents (e.g., water, milk, breast milk, infant formula, etc.) in thecontainer to an appropriate feeding temperature for consumption by theinfant.

In accordance with another aspect, a smart infant bottle system isprovided that optionally can communicate with mobile electronic devices(e.g., smartphones, tablet computers, laptop computers) to allow easyoperation of the infant bottle system and/or collect informationassociated with the consumption of liquid (e.g., water, milk, breastmilk, infant formula, etc.) from the bottle (e.g., time of day offeeding, number of feedings a day, volume of liquid, such as milk,consumed per feeding, etc.). The smart infant bottle system canoptionally be programmed to heat (e.g., automatically without useractuation) the liquid (e.g., water, milk, breast milk, infant formula,etc.) at specific time(s) of day (e.g., based on collected data offeeding patterns of infant).

The smart infant bottle system can optionally include a detachablemodule that includes electronics and one or more power storage elements(e.g., batteries, such as rechargeable batteries), and which can bemechanically coupled to the container to effect an electrical connectionbetween the module and the container to effect communication betweenelectronics in the module and electronics (e.g., one or more sensors) inthe container, and effect communication between the one or more powerstorage elements in the module and one or more heating elements in thecontainer that are operable to heat the liquid (e.g., water, milk,breast milk, infant formula, etc.) in a chamber of the container.Optionally, the module can be detachably coupled to each of a pluralityof containers (e.g., to a plurality of infant bottles), thereby allowinguse of the module with a plurality of containers. Detaching the modulefrom the container advantageously allows a user to wash the containerwithout risk of damaging the electronics in the module.

In accordance with another aspect, an infant bottle feeding system isprovided. The system comprises an infant bottle having a body with achamber configured to receive a liquid (e.g., water, milk, breast milk,infant formula, etc.) therein. The infant bottle comprises one or moreheating elements housed in the body and in thermal communication withthe chamber and operable to heat a liquid (e.g., water, milk, breastmilk, infant formula, etc.) in the chamber, and one or more sensors incommunication with the chamber and operable to sense one or moreparameters of the liquid in the chamber. The system also comprises apower base removably attached to a bottom surface of the infant bottleand configured to deliver power to electronics in the infant bottle. Thesystem also comprises a thermal cover configured to fit over the infantbottle and to releasably couple to the power base to completely enclosethe infant bottle, the thermal cover configured to insulate the infantbottle and inhibit heat loss of liquid in the chamber. The power base isconfigured to deliver power to the one or more heating elements and oneor more sensors in the infant bottle only when the infant bottle is onthe power base, and wherein the infant bottle, thermal cover and powerbase define a single travel pack unit when coupled together.

In accordance with another aspect, an infant bottle feeding system isprovided. The system comprises an electronic base configured toremovably support an infant bottle on an upper surface thereof. Theelectronic base comprises one or more sensors, at least one of the oneor more sensors configured to sense a weight of the infant bottle whenplaced on the electronic base, a transceiver, and circuitry configuredto communicate with the one or more sensors and the transceiver. Thecircuitry is operable to one or more of: record one or both of a starttime and start weight of the infant bottle prior to an infant feedingevent, record one or both of an end time and end weight of the infantbottle following an infant feeding event, calculate one or both of anelapsed time between the start time and end time and a consumptionamount based on a difference between the start weight and end weight,and one or both of store the elapsed time and consumption amount in amemory of the electronic base and wirelessly communicate via thetransceiver the elapsed time and consumption amount to one or both of aremote electronic device and a to the cloud-based data storage systemfor storage and from which data is accessible via a dashboard interfaceon an electronic device. The system also comprises a thermal coverconfigured to fit over the infant bottle and to releasably couple to theelectronic base to completely enclose the infant bottle between thethermal cover and the electronic base, the thermal cover configured toinsulate the infant bottle and inhibit heat loss of liquid in the infantbottle.

In accordance with another aspect, an infant bottle feeding system isprovided. The system comprises an infant bottle having a body with achamber configured to receive a liquid therein. The infant bottlecomprises one or more heating elements housed in the body and in thermalcommunication with the chamber and operable to heat a liquid in thechamber, and one or more sensors in communication with the chamber andoperable to sense one or more parameters of the liquid in the chamber.The system also comprises an electronic base removably attached to abottom surface of the infant bottle and configured to deliver power toelectronics in the infant bottle. The system also comprises a thermalcover configured to fit over the infant bottle and to releasably coupleto the electronic base to completely enclose the infant bottle, thethermal cover configured to insulate the infant bottle and inhibit heatloss of liquid in the chamber. The electronic base is configured todeliver power to one or both of the one or more heating elements and theone or more sensors in the infant bottle only when the infant bottle ison the electronic base, and wherein the infant bottle, thermal cover andelectronic base define a single travel pack unit when coupled together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an actively heated or cooled drinkwarecontainer.

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the actively heated or cooleddrinkware container of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3A is a schematic view of an actively heated or cooled drinkwarecontainer disposed on a power base.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the actively heated or cooled drinkwarecontainer disposed on a power base of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of an actively heated or cooleddrinkware container.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the actively heated or cooled drinkwarecontainer of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a schematic side view and partial cross-sectional view of theactively heated or cooled drinkware container of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is a schematic side view and partial cross-sectional view ofanother implementation of the actively heated or cooled drinkwarecontainer of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E is a schematic view of a cooling or heating unit for use withthe a thermal cover of the actively heated or cooled drinkware containerof FIG. 4A or 4D.

FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional side view of the cooling or heating unit ofFIG. 4E.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an actively heated or cooleddrinkware container.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an actively heated or cooleddrinkware container disposed on a power base.

FIG. 7A is a perspective bottom view of an actively heated or cooleddrinkware container.

FIG. 7B is a perspective bottom view of an actively heated or cooleddrinkware container.

FIG. 7C is a perspective top view of a power base for use with theactively heated or cooled drinkware container of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D is a perspective top view of a power base for use with theactively heated or cooled drinkware container of FIG. 7B.

FIG. 8A is a schematic side view of an actively heated or cooleddrinkware container.

FIG. 8B is a schematic side view of the actively heated or cooleddrinkware container of FIG. 8A with thermal cover cap attached thereto.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of an actively heated or cooleddrinkware container disposed on a power base.

FIG. 10A is a schematic side view of an actively heated or cooleddrinkware container disposed on a power base, which is disposed on acharging base.

FIG. 10B is a schematic side view of an actively heated or cooleddrinkware container disposed on a power base, which is disposed on acharging base.

FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of electronics in actively heated orcooled drinkware container and in power base.

FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of electronics in an actively heated orcooled drinkware container and in power base.

FIG. 11C is a schematic block diagram of one example of the electronicsin the power base or smart base.

FIG. 11D is a schematic diagram of electronics in a smart base for usewith an infant bottle or actively heated or cooled drinkware container.

FIG. 11E is a schematic block diagram of an example of the electronicsin a smart base for use with an infant bottle or actively heated orcooled drinkware container.

FIG. 11F is a schematic block diagram of one example of the electronicsin the smart base.

FIG. 11G is a schematic diagram of electronics in a smart base for usewith a drinkware container, such as an infant bottle.

FIG. 11H is a schematic diagram of electronics in a smart base for usewith a drinkware container, such as an infant bottle.

FIG. 12A is another schematic diagram of electronics in an activelyheated or cooled drinkware container an in a power base.

FIG. 12B is another schematic diagram of electronics in an activelyheated or cooled drinkware container an in a power base.

FIG. 12C is another schematic diagram of electronics in an activelyheated or cooled drinkware container an in a power base.

FIG. 12D is another schematic diagram of electronics in an activelyheated drinkware container an in a power base.

FIG. 13A is a schematic view of one example of actuating one or both ofa power/smart base and an actively heated or cooled drinkware container.

FIG. 13B is a schematic view of another example of actuating one or bothof a power/smart base and an actively heated or cooled drinkwarecontainer.

FIG. 13C is a schematic view of another example of actuating one or bothof a power/smart base and an actively heated or cooled drinkwarecontainer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are drinkware container systems with active temperaturecontrol (e.g., actively heated drinkware container systems, activelycooled drinkware container systems, actively heated and cooled drinkwarecontainer systems). Though the figures and description of the instantapplication may refer to the drinkware container system in the contextof an infant bottle system (e.g., baby bottle, sippy cup), the featuresdisclosed herein for the drinkware container system also apply to (andcan be incorporated in) other drinkware (e.g., cups, mugs, travel mugs)and plateware (e.g., bowls, plates, platters, serving dishes, etc.).Also disclosed herein is a power base or smart base (e.g., electronicbase) that can be used with the actively heated or cooled drinkwarecontainer. As disclosed herein, the power base or smart base (e.g.,electronic base) can also be used with conventional drinkware containers(e.g., with conventional infant bottles, sippy cups, etc.) that do nothave any electronics or heating/cooling elements in the containers.

FIGS. 1-2 shows a drinkware container 100. The container 100 canoptionally be an infant feeding bottle (e.g., a baby bottle). Thecontainer 100 includes a vessel 10 and optionally includes a lid 20,which can be removably coupled to a proximal end 12 of the vessel 10.Optionally, the vessel 10 can have a proximal portion 12B of reduceddiameter that defines a shoulder 12A, where the lid 20 can optionallyfit over the proximal portion 12B and optionally contact at least aportion of the shoulder 12A (as shown, for example, in FIG. 3B). Thecontainer 100 includes a module 30 attached to a distal end 14 of thevessel 10. Optionally, the vessel 10 can have a distal portion 14B ofreduced diameter that defines a shoulder 14A, where the module 30optionally fits over the distal portion 14B so that a rim 32A of themodule 30 optionally contacts at least a portion of the shoulder 14A (asshown, for example, in FIG. 3B).

Though not shown, a seal (e.g., hermetic seal) is optionally disposedbetween the module 30 and the vessel 10, for example between theproximal portion of the module 30 that fits over the distal portion 14B(e.g., reduced diameter portion) of the vessel 10. The sealadvantageously provides a watertight seal between the vessel 10 and themodule 30. In one implementation, the seal is an elastomer seal. Inanother implementation, the seal includes a heat activated film. Inanother implementation, the seal includes a laser activated adhesive. Inanother implementation, the seal includes a pressure activated adhesive.

Optionally, the module 30 is removably attached to the distal end of thevessel 10. Alternatively, the module 30 is fixed (e.g., not readilydetachable) from the vessel 10. For example, the module 30 can beadhered to the vessel 10 (e.g., with an adhesive, a weld, a press fitconnection, etc.). Though not shown in FIG. 1 , the container 100 canoptionally include a nipple attached to the proximal end of the vessel10 (similar to the nipple N in FIGS. 4C, 5 ), which can be covered bythe optional lid 20.

The vessel 10 is optionally transparent or translucent (e.g., made ofglass, plastic, etc.). Alternatively, the vessel 10 can be opaque. Thevessel 10 can define a passage 16 (e.g., open space) between an openingat the proximal end 12 and an opening at the distal end 14. The passage16 defines at least a portion of the chamber C in the container 100 thatholds liquid, as further described below.

With reference to FIG. 2 , the module 30 can have a body 32 that extendsbetween the rim 32A (e.g., circumferential rim) at a proximal end of themodule 30 and a bottom surface 32B. Optionally, the bottom surface 32Bis a distalmost surface of the module 30. The module 30 includes a heattransfer unit 34 that optionally has a circumferential wall 36 and abase 40 that together define a chamber 38 (e.g., the heat transfer unit34 can be hollow cylindrical or annular). The chamber 38 optionallydefines at least a portion of the chamber C in the container 100 thatholds liquid (e.g., water, milk, breast milk, infant formula, etc.),which is described further below in connection with FIG. 3B. Optionally,the passage 16 in the vessel 10 along with the chamber 38 of the module30 together define the chamber C of the container 100 that receives andholds liquid.

One or more heating or cooling elements 42 can optionally thermallycommunicate with (e.g., thermally contact) at least a portion of thecircumferential wall 36 and/or the base 40. As shown in FIG. 2 , one ormore heating or cooling elements 42A can optionally thermally contact anouter surface of the circumferential wall 36. One or more heating orcooling elements 42B can optionally thermally contact an outer surfaceof the base 40. As used herein, “thermal communication” or “thermalcontact” is not limited to direct contact between the one or moreheating or cooling elements 42 and one or both of the circumferentialwall 36 and the base 40, and optionally includes indirect contact (e.g.,where there is one or more component interposed between the one or moreheating or cooling elements 42 and one or both of the circumferentialwall 36 and the base 40). Optionally, the one or more heating or coolingelements 42 are one or more (e.g., a plurality of) resistive heaters,such as a plurality of heater wires or one or more heater flex (e.g.,flexible heater unit, for example wrapped around outer surface of wall36). In another implementation, the one or more heating or coolingelements 42 are one or more thermoelectric elements (e.g., Peltierelements).

FIG. 3A shows the drinkware container 100 disposed on a power base 50(e.g., an electronic base, a smart base). Optionally, the power base 50can be a smart base, as further described below. The power base 50 isoperable to provide power to the one or more heating or cooling elements42, as further described below. FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view ofthe drinkware container 100 disposed on the power base 50. The distalend 14 of the vessel 10 optionally is disposed over and optionally incontact with a rim 36A of the heat transfer unit 34. The rim 32A at theproximal end of the module 30 is optionally disposed over (e.g.,circumferentially about, circumferentially surrounding) the reduceddiameter portion 14B of the vessel 10. For sake of clarity, FIG. 3Bexcludes other features from the drinkware container 100, such assensors, circuitry, etc., and from the power base or smart base 50, suchas circuitry, power storage members (e.g., batteries), etc., which arefurther described below.

The power base 50 optionally has one or more visual indicators 51 thatcan indicate one or more operating conditions of the power base 50. Forexample, the one or more visual indicators 51 can indicate one or moreof: attachment of drinkware container 100 to the power base 50, transferof power to the one or more heating or cooling elements 42,communication with an electronic device (described further below), andtemperature of the liquid in the drinkware container (e.g., to indicatethe liquid is ready to consume or has not yet reached the desiredtemperature). For example, the one or more visual indicators 51 can behidden-til-lit LED lights operable to illuminate in one or more (e.g., aplurality of) colors. For example, the visual indicator 51 canilluminate in a green color when the liquid is at the desiredtemperature for consumption and red when it has not yet reached thedesired consumption temperature. Additionally, the one or more visualindicators 51 can flash in one or more (e.g., a plurality of)frequencies to indicate an operation of the power base 50 (e.g.,optionally pairing of the power base 50 with an electronic device tocommunicate information from the power base 50 to the electronic deviceand optionally to provide user operating instructions to the power base50 from the electronic device). Further details on the components andoperation of the power base 50 are provided further below.

FIGS. 4A-4C shows a drinkware container system 100A, which is shown asan infant feeding system (e.g., a baby bottle system). Some of thefeatures of the drinkware container system 100A are similar to featuresin the drinkware container system 100 in FIGS. 1-3B. Thus, referencesnumerals used to designate the various components of the containersystem 100 are identical to those used for identifying the correspondingcomponents of the drinkware container system 100A in FIGS. 4A-4C.Therefore, the structure and description for the various components ofthe drinkware container system 100 in FIGS. 1-3B is understood to alsoapply to the corresponding components of the drinkware container system100A in FIGS. 4A-4C, except as described below.

The drinkware container system 100A includes a nipple N disposed overthe vessel 10 and under the lid 20. The module 30 is disposed on top ofthe power base 50, in a similar manner as described above in connectionwith the drinkware container 100. The power base 50 can be a smart base,as described further below. Optionally, the bottom surface 32B of themodule 30 contacts a top surface 52 of the power base 50. The power base50 can optionally be wider than the module 30 so as to define acircumferential shoulder 54 outward of the module 30 when the module 30is disposed on the power base 50. Optionally, the module 30 canmechanically couple to the power base 50 (e.g., via one or more threads,key and slot connection, magnets, etc.). Alternatively, the module 30can be disposed on the power base 50 but not be mechanically coupled toit. Advantageously, the power base 50 can provide power to the module 30to, for example, provide power to the one or more heating or coolingelements 42.

The drinkware container system 100A optionally includes a cover 70 thatcan be disposed over the drinkware container (e.g., the bottle assemblydefined by the vessel 10, module 30, optional nipple N, and optional lid20). The cover 70 can optionally be dome shaped with a closed proximalend 72, an open distal end 74, and a chamber or cavity C between theclosed proximal end 72 and open distal end 74 that removably receivesthe drinkware container 100A. The cover 70 optionally encloses at leasta portion of the drinkware container 100A. In one implementation, thecover 70 encloses the entire drinkware container 100A. The cover 70 isoptionally defined by a wall 75 having an inner surface 76 and an outersurface 78, the wall 75 having a width W between the inner and outersurfaces 76, 78. The width W can optionally range between about 5 mm andabout 10 mm, optionally about 7 mm. However, the wall 75 can have othersuitable widths W.

Optionally, the cover 70 is sized so that the inner surface 76 isadjacent (e.g., in contact with) at least a portion of an outer surfaceof the drinkware container 100A (e.g., at least a portion of an outersurface of the vessel 10 and/or the module 30, and or the lid 20). Inone implementation, one or both of the cover 70 (e.g., the proximal end72 of the cover 70) and the lid 20 can optionally have a pressure reliefvalve incorporated therein to allow pressure build up in the drinkwarecontainer 100 (e.g., in the liquid in the chamber C of the drinkwarecontainer 100) to be released. In another implementation, the cover 70is sized so as to define an annular gap between the inner surface 76 ofthe cover and at least a portion of the outer surface of the drinkwarecontainer (e.g., at least a portion of an outer surface of the vessel 10and/or the module 30 and/or the lid 20). In one implementation, thecover 70 optionally includes a thermally insulative material with lowthermal conductivity properties between the inner surface 76 and theouter surface 78, thereby allowing the liquid in the drinkware containerto retain its temperature for a prolonged period of time (e.g., 5 hours,6 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours). In another implementation, the cover 70 hasan gap or cavity defined between the inner surface 76 and the outersurface 78, so that the inner surface 76 is insulated relative to theouter surface 78. Optionally, the gap or cavity G is filled with air. Inanother implementation, the gap G can be under vacuum.

Optionally, the cover 70 can mechanically couple to the power base 50,allowing the cover 70 and power base 50 to be portable as a single unit(e.g., with the power base 50 attached to the cover 70 while intransit), and defining a portable travel pack with the baby bottleassembly (e.g., the drinkware container 100, a conventional infantbottle, etc.) under the cover 70. For example, the distal end 74 of thecover 70 can couple with the shoulder 54 of the power base 50. In oneimplementation, the cover 70 can couple with the power base 50 via athreaded connection. In another implementation, the cover 70 can couplewith the power base 50 via a key-and-slot mechanism. In anotherimplementation, the cover 70 can couple with the power base 50 via oneor more magnets, such as one or more electromagnets as further describedbelow. In another implementation, the cover 70 can couple with the powerbase 50 via a press-fit connection. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the cover70 is attached to the power base 50, the drinkware container assembly100A advantageously appears seamless.

FIG. 4D schematically illustrate the container system 100A with a cover70″. The cover 70″ is similar to the cover 70 of FIGS. 4A-4C. Thus,references numerals used to designate the various features of the cover70″ are identical to those used for identifying the correspondingcomponents of the cover 70 in FIGS. 4A-4C, except that a “ ” “is addedto the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and descriptionfor the various features of the cover 70 in FIGS. 4A-4C are understoodto also apply to the corresponding components of the cover 70” in FIG.4D, except as described below.

As shown in FIG. 4D, the cover 70″ includes an intermediate wall 79″(e.g., annular intermediate wall) between (e.g., radially interposed)between at least a portion of the inner surface 74″ and the outersurface 78″. The intermediate wall 79″ and inner wall 76″ define a gap(e.g., annular gap) G2″ therebetween. The intermediate wall 79″ andouter surface 78″ define a gap (e.g., annular gap) G″ therebetween. Inone implementation, the gap G″ optionally includes a thermallyinsulative material with low thermal conductivity properties therein. Inanother implementation, the gap G″ is filled with air. In anotherimplementation, the gap G″ is under vacuum. In one implementation, thegap G2″ optionally includes a phase change material (PCM) 130″. In oneimplementation, the phase change material 130″ can be a solid-liquidPCM. In another implementation, the phase change material 130″ can be asolid-solid PCM. The PCM 130″ advantageously can passively absorb andrelease energy. Examples of possible PCM materials are water (which cantransition to ice when cooled below the freezing temperature), a gelthat can freeze when cooled, organic PCMs (e.g., bio based or Paraffin,or carbohydrate and lipid derived), inorganic PCMs (e.g., salthydrates), and inorganic eutectics materials. However, the PCM 130″ canbe any thermal mass that can store and release energy.

In one implementation, the cover 70″ can be placed in a cooler,refrigerator or freezer to charge (e.g., cool) the PCM 130″. A user canthen take the cover 70″ from the cooler, refrigerator or freezer anddispose it over a drinkware container (e.g., infant feeding bottle),where the cover 70″ will maintain the drinkware container in a cooledstate due to the PCM 130″ (e.g., the PCM 130″ will absorb heat from thedrinkware container to thereby cool the drinkware container).Optionally, the cover 70″ can be attached to the power base 50 so thatthe drinkware container (e.g., infant feeding bottle) is disposedbetween the cover 70″ and the power base 50, as shown in FIG. 4D.Therefore, the cover 70″, drinkware container (e.g. infant feedingbottle) and power base 50 can be portable as a single unit, andoptionally define a portable travel pack, where the PCM 130″ will absorbheat from the drinkware container to thereby cool the drinkwarecontainer during such travel (e.g., commute to school, to work, travelon an airplane or train, travel outdoors, such as on a hiking trip).

In one implementation, the inner surface 76″, outer surface 78″, andintermediate wall 79″ of the cover 70″ are made of the same material(e.g., a metal, such as stainless steel; a plastic material, a ceramiccoated metal material). In another implementation, the inner surface 76″(optionally along with the intermediate wall 79″) is made of a differentmaterial (e.g., stainless steel) than the outer surface 78″ (e.g.,plastic, ceramic, ceramic covered metal).

In one implementation, the cover 70″ can maintain the drinkwarecontainer (e.g., infant feeding bottle) disposed in a chamber of thecover 70″, and/or the liquid in the drinkware container at a cooledtemperature (e.g., 40 F, 45 F, 50 F, 55 F, etc.) for an extended periodof time (e.g., 8 hours or less, 6 hours or less, 4 hours or less, 2hours or less, about 1 hour, about 30 minutes, etc.).

FIGS. 4E-4F schematically illustrate a unit 300 (e.g., cooling unit)operable to cool a cover 70″ (e.g., for use with a drinkware container,such as an infant feeding bottle). The unit 300 has a body 305 with aplatform 315 and one or more docking portions 310. Optionally, thedocking portions 310 are recessed relative to a surface 315A of theplatform 315. The body can also have one or more vent openings 340 thatallow flow of air into and out of the body 305 as further discussedbelow. The one or more docking portions 310 can receive the cover 70″thereon so that the open end 74″ of the cover 70″ is adjacent (e.g., incontact with) a surface of the docking portion 310. Each docking portion310 can have one or more openings 320 (see FIG. 4F) located thereon sothat the openings 320 face the chamber C2″ of the 70″ when the 70″ isplaced on the docking portion 310. In one implementation, the weight ofthe cover 70″ maintains it in place over the docking portion 310. Inanother implementation, the cover 70″ couples to the docking portion 310via one or more magnets (e.g., located in the cover 70″ and/or theplatform 315, such as in the rim of the cover 70″ or under the dockingportion 310). In another implementation, the cover 70″ mechanicallycouples to the docking portion 310 (e.g., in a twist-lock manner via ahook/slot mechanism, or threaded connection, defined in one or both ofthe cover 70″ and docking portion 310).

The unit 300 has one or more first heat sinks (e.g., cold side heatsinks) 370 disposed in the body 305, one or more second heat sinks(e.g., hot side heat sinks) 350 disposed in the body 305, and one ormore thermoelectric elements (TECs) (e.g., Peltier elements) 326 inthermal communication (e.g., direct contact) with, and interposedbetween, the one of more first heat sinks 370 and one or more secondheat sinks 350. The unit 300 also has one or more fans 380 in fluidcommunication with the one or more first heat sinks 370. In theillustrated embodiment, the one or more fans 380 are disposed within(e.g., integrated in between) a first portion 372 and a second portion374 of the first heat sink 370 (e.g., integrated into a center portionof the first heat sink 370). However, the one or more fans 380 can belocated elsewhere in the body 305 relative to the one or more first heatsinks 370.

In operation, the one or more TECs 326 are operated to draw heat fromthe one or more first heat sinks 370 and to transfer heat to the one ormore second heat sinks 350 to reduce the temperature (e.g., cool) theone or more first heat sinks 370. The one or more fans 380 are operatedto flow air past one or more surfaces (e.g., fins) of the one or morefirst heat sinks 370, thereby cooling said air. In one implementation,the one or more first heat sinks 370 are cooled to a temperature ofabout 10F-50F and cools the air that flows over it to a temperature ofabout 10F-50F. The cooled air is directed through the one or moreopenings 320 into the chamber C2″ of the cover 70″, where it cools theinner surface 76″. The cooled air also charges the PCM 130″ (e.g.,causing the PCM 130″ to transition from one state to another, such asfrom liquid to solid), allowing the PCM 130″ to absorb heat once aheated liquid or object (e.g., drinkware container, such as infantfeeding bottle) is disposed in the chamber C2″ of the cover 70″. Thecooled air can exit the chamber C2″ via one or more openings (not shown)in the docking portion 310 and exit the body 305 via one or more of thevent openings 340.

In some implementations, the cooling unit 300 is a standalone unit thatis separate from (e.g., not integrated into) a beverage preparationand/or dispensing machine (e.g., infant formula preparation and/ordispensing machine). In other implementations the cooling unit 300 areoptionally incorporated into (e.g., integral with, a part of, coupledto, removably coupled to) a beverage dispending machine (e.g., an infantformula preparation and/or dispensing machine). Optionally, theelectronics in the beverage dispensing machine can control the operationof one or more components of the cooling unit 300, such as providingpower to and/or operating the one or more thermoelectric modules 326(e.g., turning them on or off or adjusting power to each), providingpower to and/or operating the one or more fans 380 (e.g., turning themon or off or adjusting power to each), providing power to and/oroperating the dispensing unit, such as turning it on or off.

FIG. 5 illustrates a drinkware container system 100B, which is shown asan infant feeding system (e.g., a baby bottle or infant bottle system).Some of the features of the drinkware container system 100B are similarto features in the drinkware container system 100 in FIGS. 1-3A-3B.Thus, references numerals used to designate the various components ofthe container system 100 are identical to those used for identifying thecorresponding components of the drinkware container system 100B in FIG.5 . Therefore, the structure and description for the various componentsof the drinkware container system 100 in FIGS. 1-2 is understood to alsoapply to the corresponding components of the drinkware container system100B in FIG. 5 , except as described below.

The drinkware container system 100″ optionally includes a nipple N. Thevessel 10 optionally includes one or more sensors 80. Though FIG. 5shows one sensor, multiple sensors can be provided on the vessel 10 andare contemplated in this disclosure. Optionally, the sensor 80 is astrip sensor. Optionally, the sensor 80 is a capacitance strip sensor.However, the one or more sensors 80 can be other suitable type sensors(e.g., temperature sensors, such as thermocouples, ultrasonic sensor,etc.). In an additional or alternative implementation, the one or moresensors 80 are a plurality of sensors, at least some of which arearranged vertically along at least a portion of a length of the vessel10. In an additional or alternative implementation, the one or moresensors 80 are a plurality of sensors, at least some of which arearranged along at least a portion of the circumference of the vessel 10.The one or more sensors 80 optionally contact a wall of the vessel 10(e.g., an outer surface of the wall of the vessel 10) and are incommunication with the chamber C. The one or more sensors 80 canoptionally sense one or more parameters of a liquid in the vessel 10.The one or more sensors 80 can optionally communicate with electronicsin the module 30 via one or more corresponding connectors 33.Optionally, the one or more sensors 80 are covered with a sleeve,coating or film to advantageously inhibit peeling or detachment of theone or more sensors 80 from the vessel 10. In another implementation,the one or more sensors 80 are embedded in a wall of the vessel 10(e.g., embedded between an inner surface and an outer surface of thewall of the vessel 10).

FIG. 6 shows the drinkware container system 100B disposed on the powerbase 50. The power base 50 can be a smart base, as further describedbelow. The power base 50 optionally includes a barrel type electricalconnector. However, other suitable connectors can be used. For example,the power base 50 can optionally have a USB connector that allowsremovable coupling of a power cord to the power base 50, where theopposite end of the power cord can be removably coupled to a wallconnector or a male USB connector for connecting the power cord, forexample, to a female USB connector (e.g., in a computer). Optionally,the power base 50 can have one or more electrical contacts (e.g., one ormore electrical contact rings, such as gold-plated contacts rings) on abottom surface 58 of the power base 50, thereby allowing the power base50 to be powered by docking the power base 50 on another component (e.g.power source) with corresponding electrical contacts (e.g., one or morepogo pins) that engage the electrical contacts on the power base 50. Inan additional or alternative implementation, the power base 50 caninclude a wireless power receiver, allowing the power base 50 to receivepower from another component (e.g., a power source) via inductivecoupling (e.g., when the power base 50 is disposed on or proximate thepower source).

FIG. 7A illustrates a drinkware container system 100C. Some of thefeatures of the drinkware container system 100C are similar to featuresin the drinkware container system 100 in FIGS. 1-3B and drinkwarecontainer 100B in FIGS. 5-6 . Thus, references numerals used todesignate the various components of the container system 100, 100B areidentical to those used for identifying the corresponding components ofthe drinkware container system 100C in FIG. 7A. Therefore, the structureand description for the various components of the drinkware containersystem 100, 100B in FIGS. 1-3B and 5-6 is understood to also apply tothe corresponding components of the drinkware container system 100C inFIG. 7A, except as described below.

FIG. 7A shows a bottom perspective view of the drinkware container 100C.The module 30 optionally has one or more electrical contacts 33 on thebottom surface 32B of the module 30. The one or more electrical contacts33 can optionally be one or more (e.g., a pair of) electrical contactrings (e.g., gold-plated rings) 33A, 33B that are radially spaced fromeach other. Optionally, the electrical contact rings 33A, 33B areco-axial about an axis that coincides with a central axis (e.g., axis ofsymmetry) of the module 30 and/or the vessel 10.

The one or more electrical contacts 33 contact one or more electricalcontacts 53 on the top surface 52 of a power base 50C (see FIG. 7C) whenthe drinkware container 100C is disposed on the top surface 52 of thepower base 50C to thereby transmit power from the power base 50C to thedrinkware container 100C (e.g., to the one or more heating or coolingelements 42 and/or sensors in the drinkware container), as furtherdiscussed below. The one or more electrical contacts 53 can optionallybe one or more (e.g., a pair of) contact pins 53A, 53B (e.g., POGOpins).

Optionally, one or more sensors in the drinkware container 100C cantransmit information (e.g., sensed temperature data, sensed liquid leveldata) to circuitry in the power base 50C via one or more of theelectrical contacts 33A, 33B. Optionally, the power base 50C cancalculate the amount and/or weight of the liquid in the drinkwarecontainer 100C based at least in part on the transmitted information(e.g., based on the sensed liquid level data).

Optionally, the module 30 has a button at the center of the bottomsurface 32B and coaxial with the electrical contact rings 33A, 33B. Thebutton can be operable to effect one or more operations for thedrinkware container 100C, such as to begin a heating operation by theone or more heating elements 42 in the drinkware container 100C to heata liquid therein. In another implementation, the button is excluded andthe operation of the drinkware container 100C is effected via the powerbase 50C when the drinkware container 100C is disposed thereon, asfurther discussed below. In another implementation, operation of thedrinkware container 100C is alternatively (or additionally) effected viaan electronic device (e.g., mobile electronic device such as asmartphone, tablet computer, etc.) that communicates a signal wirelesslyto the power base 50C and/or the drinkware container 100C, as furtherdiscussed below.

In another implementation, the electrical contacts 33, 53 are excludedand communication between the power base 50C and the drinkware container100C is done wirelessly (e.g., using inductive coupling to transmitpower from the power base 50C to the drinkware container 100C to powerthe one or more heating or cooling elements 42, sensors, etc. in thedrinkware container). Further details on the components and operation ofthe power base 50C are provided below.

FIG. 7B illustrates a drinkware container system 100C′. Some of thefeatures of the drinkware container system 100C′ are similar to featuresin the drinkware container system 100 in FIGS. 1-3B, drinkware container100B in FIGS. 5-6 , and drinkware container 100C in FIG. 7A. Thus,references numerals used to designate the various components of thecontainer system 100, 100B, 100C are identical to those used foridentifying the corresponding components of the drinkware containersystem 100C′ in FIG. 7B. Therefore, the structure and description forthe various components of the drinkware container system 100, 100B, 100Cin FIGS. 1-3B, FIGS. 5-6 and FIG. 7A, respectively, is understood toalso apply to the corresponding components of the drinkware containersystem 100C′ in FIG. 7B, except as described below.

FIG. 7B shows a bottom perspective view of the drinkware container100C′. The module 30 optionally has one or more electrical contacts 33′on the bottom surface 32B of the module 30. The one or more electricalcontacts 33′ can optionally be one or more (e.g., three) electricalcontact rings (e.g., gold-plated rings) 33A′, 33B′, 33C′ that areradially spaced from each other. Optionally, the electrical contactrings 33A′, 33B′, 33C′ are co-axial about an axis that coincides with acentral axis (e.g., axis of symmetry) of the module 30 and/or the vessel10. The one or more electrical contacts 33′ contact one or moreelectrical contacts 53′ on the top surface 52 of a power base 50C′ (seeFIG. 7D) when the drinkware container 100C′ is disposed on the topsurface 52 of the power base 50C′ to thereby transmit power from thepower base 50C′ to the drinkware container 100C′ (e.g., to the one ormore heating elements 42 and/or sensors in the drinkware container), asfurther discussed below. The one or more electrical contacts 53′ canoptionally be one or more (e.g., three) contact pins 53A′, 53B′, 53C′(e.g., POGO pins). At least one (e.g., a pair) of the pins 53A′, 53B′,53C′ can transfer power from the power base 50C′ to the drinkwarecontainer 100C′ via at least one (e.g., a pair) of the electricalcontacts 33A′, 33B′, 33C′. At least one of the pins 53A′, 53B′, 53C′ cantransfer information between one or more components (e.g., sensors) inthe drinkware container 100C′ and the power base 50C′ via at least oneof the electrical contacts 33A′, 33B′, 33C′, as further described below.

In another implementation, the electrical contacts 33′, 53′ are excludedand communication between the power base 50C′ and the drinkwarecontainer 100C′ is done wirelessly (e.g., using inductive coupling totransmit power from the power base 50C′ to the drinkware container 100Cto power the one or more heating elements 42, sensors, etc. in thedrinkware container). Further details of the components and operation ofthe power base 50C′ are provided below.

FIGS. 8A-8B shows a drinkware container system 100D, which is shown asan infant feeding system (e.g., a baby bottle system). Some of thefeatures of the drinkware container system 100D are similar to featuresin the drinkware container system 100A in FIGS. 4A-4C. Thus, referencesnumerals used to designate the various components of the containersystem 100A are identical to those used for identifying thecorresponding components of the drinkware container system 100D in FIGS.8A-8B. Therefore, the structure and description for the variouscomponents of the drinkware container system 100A in FIGS. 4A-4C isunderstood to also apply to the corresponding components of thedrinkware container system 100D in FIGS. 8A-8B, except as describedbelow.

The drinkware container system 100D has a cover structure 70′ similar tothe cover 70. The cover structure 70′ includes a top or proximal coverportion 70A and a bottom or distal cover portion 70B. The bottom coverportion 70B has a cavity defined by a circumferential wall 75B sized toreceive at least a portion of the drinkware container (e.g., receive thevessel 10 and module 30) therein. Optionally, the circumferential wall75B defines a cavity sized so that an inner surface of the wall 75Bcontact at least a portion of an outer surface of the drinkwarecontainer (e.g., contacts at least a portion of an outer surface of thevessel 10 and/or module 30). Optionally, a proximal end of the vessel 10(e.g., the reduced diameter portion 12B) protrudes from a proximal endof the bottom cover portion 70B. The wall 75B has a width W′, which canoptionally be similar to the width W of the wall 75 in FIG. 4C.Optionally, the drinkware container is removably disposed in the bottomcover portion 70B. Alternatively, the drinkware container is fixedlydisposed (e.g., not readily removed) within the bottom cover portion70B. The top cover portion 70A is optionally removably attached to thelid 20.

The bottom cover portion 70B optionally includes a power base 50Dincorporated (e.g., embedded) therein, so that the power base 50D is notseparable from the bottom cover portion 70B. The power base 50D canoptionally be a smart base, as further described below. The power base50D operates in a similar manner as the power base 50 to provide powerto the one or more heating or cooling elements 42 of the drinkwarecontainer. In another implementation, at least a portion of the powerbase 50D can be removably disposed in a distal end of the bottom coverportion 70B, such that the power base 50D can be detached or removedfrom the bottom cover portion 70B. Additional details on the operationof the power base 50D are provided further below.

In use, the top cover portion 70A can be disposed over the lid 20 sothat a distal end of the top cover portion 70A is proximal to (e.g.,adjacent to, in contact with) a proximal end of the lower cover portion70B, to thereby define a travel pack TP for the drinkware containersystem 100D, allowing the user to maintain the liquid in the drinkwarecontainer thermally insulated for a prolonged period of time (e.g.,while traveling, while commuting). The top cover portion 70A can beremoved from over the lid 20 when the liquid in the drinkware containeris ready to be consumed.

FIG. 9 shows a drinkware container system 100E, which is shown as aninfant feeding system (e.g., a baby bottle system). Some of the featuresof the drinkware container system 100E are similar to features in thedrinkware container system 100 in FIGS. 1-3B. Thus, references numeralsused to designate the various components of the container system 100Eare identical to those used for identifying the corresponding componentsof the drinkware container system 100 in FIGS. 1-3B. Therefore, thestructure and description for the various components of the drinkwarecontainer system 100 in FIGS. 1-3B is understood to also apply to thecorresponding components of the drinkware container system 100E in FIG.9 , except as described below.

FIG. 9 shows the drinkware container 100E removably disposed on a powerbase 50E. The power base 50E can optionally be a smart base, as furtherdescribed below. The power base 50E advantageously has a low profile.The power base 50E excludes power storage elements (e.g., batteries),and instead provides a hardwired connection to a power source. Forexample, the power base 50E can have a barrel connector, similar to thebarrel type connector shown in FIG. 6 . However, other suitableconnectors can be used. For example, the power base 50E can optionallyhave a USB connector that allows removable coupling of a power cord tothe power base 50E, where the opposite end of the power cord can beremovably coupled to a wall connector or a male USB connector forconnecting the power cord, for example, to a female USB connector (e.g.,in a computer). Optionally, the power base 50E can have one or moreelectrical contacts (e.g., one or more electrical contact rings, such asgold-plated contacts rings) on a bottom surface 58 of the power base50E, thereby allowing the power base 50 to be powered by docking thepower base 50E on another component (e.g. power source) withcorresponding electrical contacts (e.g., one or more pogo pins) thatengage the electrical contacts on the power base 50E. In anotherimplementation, the power base 50E optionally has a wireless powerreceiver that can receive power wirelessly from a power source viainductive coupling.

FIGS. 10A-10B shows a drinkware container system 100F, which is shown asan infant feeding system (e.g., a baby bottle system). Some of thefeatures of the drinkware container system 100F are similar to featuresin the drinkware container system 100 in FIGS. 1-3B. Thus, referencesnumerals used to designate the various components of the containersystem 100F are identical to those used for identifying thecorresponding components of the drinkware container system 100 in FIGS.1-3B. Therefore, the structure and description for the variouscomponents of the drinkware container system 100 in FIGS. 1-3B isunderstood to also apply to the corresponding components of thedrinkware container system 100F in FIGS. 10A-10B, except as describedbelow.

FIGS. 10A-10B show a charger 200 (e.g., power source) that can at leastpartially receive the power base 50F thereon and is operable to transferpower to the power base 50F, for example to charge one or more powerstorage elements (e.g., rechargeable batteries) in the power base 50F,as further described below. The power base 50F is optionally a smartbase, as further described below. Optionally, the charger 200 can have arecess that receives at least a portion (e.g., a bottom portion) of thepower base 50F therein. In one implementation, the charger 200 can haveone or more electrical contacts (e.g., electrical contact pins, POGOpins) on a top surface thereof that engage one or more electricalcontacts (e.g., one or more electrical contact rings) on a bottomsurface 58F of the power base 50F. The charger 200 optionally connectsto a power source (e.g., a wall outlet) via a cable (e.g., barrel typeelectrical connector). In another implementation, the charger 200optionally has a wireless power transmitter that transmits power to awireless power receiver in the power base 50F via inductive coupling,for example when the power base 50F is disposed on or proximate thecharger 200, to thereby charge the one or more power storage elements(e.g., batteries) in the power base 50F.

FIGS. 11A-11C are schematic illustrations of electronics in thedrinkware container and the power base, which can optionally beimplemented in any of the drinkware containers 100, 100A, 100B, 100C,100C′, 100D, 100E, 100F and power/smart base systems 50, 50′, 50″, 50″,50C, 50C′, 50D, 50E, 50F disclosed herein.

As previously discussed, the drinkware container 100 (e.g., module 30 ofthe drinkware container 100) has one or more heating or cooling elements42, which optionally includes a heating or cooling element 42A disposedabout at least a portion of the circumference of the chamber C in thecontainer 100. The one or more heating or cooling elements 42 optionallyincludes a heating or cooling element 42B disposed adjacent a base ofthe chamber C. The drinkware container 100 optionally has one or moresensors 80 operable to sense one or more parameters (e.g., temperature,level, volume) of liquid in the chamber C.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the drinkware container 100 (e.g., the module 30of the drinkware container 100) optionally has circuitry 22 thatcommunicates with the one or more heating or elements 42 and the one ormore sensors 80. Where the drinkware container 100 (e.g., the module 30)optionally includes one or more electrical contacts 33A, 33B, thecircuitry 22 can optionally also communicate with the one or moreelectrical contacts 33A, 33B. As used herein, “communicate” is notlimited to direct communication (e.g., via hardwired connections betweenthe separate components), but also includes indirect communication viaintervening electronic components. Further details of the circuitry 22in the drinkware container are described below in connection with FIG.11C.

With continued reference to FIG. 11A, the power base 50 optionallyincludes one or more power storage elements 55 and circuitry 56. Thecircuitry 56 can communicate with the one or more power storage elements55. Where the power base 50 includes one or more electrical contacts53A, 53B (or 53A, 53B, 53C in FIG. 7D), the circuitry 56 can optionallycommunicate with the one or more electrical contacts 53A, 53B (e.g., tothereby provide power to one or more of the circuitry 22, one or moreheating or cooling elements 42 and one or more sensors 80, via theelectrical contacts 33A, 33B in the drinkware container 100). In anotherimplementation, the electrical contacts 33A, 33B in the bottle and theelectrical contacts 53A, 53B in the power base 50 are excluded. In suchan implementation, the circuitry 56 in the power base 50 optionallytransmits power to the circuitry 22 in the drinkware container 100 (andthereby transmits power to the one or more heating or cooling elements42 and/or one or more sensors 80) via inductive coupling (e.g.,components in the circuitry 56 in the power base 50 and circuitry 22 inthe drinkware container 100 provide an inductive power transmissioncircuit).

The power base 50 can optionally include a power button PS1 on orproximate the bottom surface 58 of the power base 50. Additionally oralternatively, the power base 50 can optionally include a power buttonPS2 on or proximate a top surface 52 of the power base 50. The powerbase 50 can optionally be turned on or off via one or both of the powerbutton PS1, PS2.

With continued reference to FIG. 11A, in one implementation the sleeve70 is a cylindrical sleeve and one piece (e.g. integrated with,monolithic with, etc.) the power base 50. In such an implementation,magnets 24 and electromagnets 59 are excluded.

Proximity Sensor

The power base 50 optionally includes one or more proximity sensors 57(e.g., an inductive proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, amagnetic proximity sensor) that communicate with the circuitry 56. Inone implementation, the one or more proximity sensors 57 can be one ormore Hall effect sensors. The drinkware container 100 (e.g., the module30 of the drinkware container 100) can optionally have one or moreobjects 23 (e.g., metal object, magnet, etc.) that can be detected bythe one or more proximity sensors 57 when the drinkware container 100 isadjacent (e.g., disposed upon) the power base 50. Where the proximitysensor 57 is a Hall effect sensor, the one or more objects 23 areoptionally one or more magnets.

In operation, the one or more proximity sensors 57 can communicate asignal to the circuitry 56 upon sensing the one or more objects 23(e.g., when the power base 50 is disposed on the power base 50), and inresponse to such a signal the circuitry 56 (e.g., a switch of thecircuitry 56) can allow communication of power from the one or morepower storage elements 55 to the one or more electrical contacts 53A,53B, which can then be transferred to the one or more electricalcontacts 33A, 33B in the drinkware container 100, as further discussedbelow. When the drinkware container 100 is not proximal to (e.g., notadjacent to, not disposed upon) the power base 50, the one or moreproximity sensors 57 will not communicate a proximity signal to thecircuitry 56, and the circuitry 56 in response can disallowcommunication of power from the one or more power storage elements 55 tothe one or more electrical contacts 53A, 53B (e.g., the circuitry 56 canprevent communication of power from the power storage elements 55 to theelectrical contacts 53A, 53B unless it received the proximity signalfrom the sensor 57, such as unless the drinkware container 100 is placedon the power base 50). Advantageously, such an arrangement would inhibit(e.g., prevent) a user from receiving a shock from touching theelectrical contacts 53A, 53B of the power base 50.

Electromagnetic Coupling

The power base 50 optionally includes one or more electromagnets 59 thatcommunicate with the circuitry 56. One or both of the drinkwarecontainer 100 (e.g., module 30 of the drinkware container 100) and thecover 70 optionally includes one or more magnets 24 (e.g., permanentmagnets). In one implementation, only the cover 70 includes the one ormore magnets 24 and the drinkware container 100 is retained between thecover 70 and the power base 50 by an attraction force between theelectromagnets 59 and the magnets 24 in the cover 70.

The circuitry 56 can operate the one or more electromagnets 59 in thepower base 50 to have an opposite polarity as the magnets 24, therebyallowing the coupling of the power base 50 to one or both of thedrinkware container 100 (e.g., module 30 of the drinkware container 100)and the cover 70, for example, to retain them in a coupled state. Thecircuitry 56 can also operate the one or more electromagnets 59 in thepower base 50 to have the same polarity as the magnets 24, therebyallowing the decoupling of the power base 50 from one or both of thedrinkware container 100 (e.g., module 30 of the drinkware container 100)and the cover 70. For example, the circuitry 56 can operate the one ormore electromagnets 59 to have the power base 50 decouple from one orboth of the drinkware container 100 (e.g., module 30 of the drinkwarecontainer 100) and the cover 70 in response to a user instruction (e.g.,via a user interface on the power base 50, or via a remote instructionprovided to the power base 50 by the user via a remote electronic deviceor a mobile electronic device).

In use, the circuitry 56 can optionally actuate (e.g., upon receipt ofuser instructions via a user interface on the power base 50 orwirelessly via a remote electronic device such as a mobile electronicdevice) the one or more electromagnets 59 to couple the power base 50 toone or both of the drinkware container 100 (e.g., module 30 of thedrinkware container 100) and the cover 70. In another implementation,the circuitry 56 can automatically actuate the one or moreelectromagnets 59 to couple the power base 50 to one or both of thedrinkware container 100 (e.g., module 30 of the drinkware container 100)and the cover 70 upon placement of the drinkware container 100 and/orcover 70 proximal to (e.g., adjacent to, in contact with) the power base50.

Such coupling could allow the power base 50 and drinkware container 100and/or cover 70 to form a single travel unit, making it easy to carrywhile traveling. Additionally, such coupling could facilitate theefficient heating of liquid in the drinkware container 100 bymaintaining the drinkware container 100 and/or cover 70 attached to thepower base 50 during the heating process. Once the heating process wascompleted, circuitry 56 in the power base 50 can actuate the one or moreelectromagnets 59 to decouple the drinkware container 100 and/or cover70 from the power base 50, thereby allowing the consumption of theliquid in the drinkware container 100 without having the electronics inthe power base 50 attached to the drinkware container 100 during saidconsumption. In one implementation, the circuitry 56 can actuate the oneor more electromagnets 59 to decouple the drinkware container 100 and/orcover 70 from the power base 50 upon receipt of a command from the user(e.g., via a user interface of the power base 50, such as optionally viaa gesture; wirelessly via an electronic device, such as a mobileelectronic device, that optionally communicates with the circuitry 56,etc.), such as a command that the contents of the drinkware container100 are ready for consumption (e.g., a “feeding” command). In anotherimplementation, the circuitry 56 can actuate the one or moreelectromagnets 59 to decouple the drinkware container 100 and/or cover70 from the power base 50 upon receipt of a signal from the one or moresensors 80 (as further described below) that the contents (e.g. liquid)in the chamber C are at a predetermined temperature for consumption (orwithin a predetermined temperature range for consumption). Saidpredetermined temperature or temperature range can optionally be a userselected temperature or temperature range, or can be a temperature valueor temperature range stored in a memory of the drinkware container 100(e.g., module 30 of the drinkware container 100) or memory of the powerbase 50.

Optionally, the circuitry 56 allows or facilitates the transfer of powerand/or to the drinkware container 100, for example from the one or morebatteries 55 to the one or more heating or cooling elements 42 (e.g.,via the one or more electrical contacts 33A, 33B, 53A, 53B), when atleast one of the one or more sensors 80 (e.g., a liquid level sensor, acapacitance sensor, etc.) in the drinkware container 100 or weightsensors 81 in the electronic (e.g., power, smart) base 50 indicates thatthere is liquid in the chamber C (e.g., above a predetermined liquidlevel or above a predetermined amount or weight).

Optionally, the circuitry 56 can inhibit (e.g. prevent) transfer ofpower and/or automatically terminates transfer of power to the drinkwarecontainer 100, for example from the one or more batteries 55 to the oneor more heating or cooling elements 42 (e.g., via the one or moreelectrical contacts 33A, 33B, 53A, 53B), when at least one of the one ormore sensors 80 (e.g., a liquid level sensor, a capacitance sensor,etc.) in the drinkware container 100 or weight sensors 81 in theelectronic (e.g., power, smart) base 50 indicates that the chamber C isempty or near empty (e.g., below a predetermined liquid level).

FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of an optional implementation of thedrinkware container assembly or travel pack TP. The travel pack TPassembly can include a drinkware container, such as the drinkwarecontainer 100, disposed on a power base 50′, with a cover 70′ disposedover the drinkware container 100 and attached to the power base 50′. Thepower base 50′ can optionally be similar to the power base 50 in FIG.11A (e.g., include the same components as the power base 50 in FIG.11A), except as described below. The cover 70′ can optionally be similarto the cover 70 in FIG. 11A (e.g., include the same components orfeatures as the cover 70 in FIG. 11A), except as described below.Therefore, the same numerical identifiers are used in FIG. 11A toidentify similar components shown in FIG. 11A, and the descriptioncorresponding to such components in FIG. 11A are understood to alsoapply to the similarly numbered components in FIG. 11B.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the cover 70′ can optionally couple to the powerbase 50′ via one or more magnets 24 in the cover 70 and one or moreelectromagnets 59 in the power base 50′ that communicate with thecircuitry 56 in the power base 50′. The cover 70′ can include one ormore (e.g., a plurality of) thermoelectric elements (e.g., Peltierelements) 71, for example embedded between the inner surface 76 and theouter surface 78 of the cover 70′. Each of the one or morethermoelectric elements 71 can have a hot side 71A and a cold side 71B,where the hot side 71A faces away from the inner surface 76 and the coldside 71B faces toward the inner surface 76. Optionally, an inner surfaceof the cold side 71B of the one or more thermoelectric elements 71 issubstantially coplanar with the inner surface 76. The one or morethermoelectric elements 71 can connect with one or more electricalcontacts 73 optionally at the distal end 74 of the cover 70′ via one ormore optional wires 77.

The power base 50′ can optionally have one or more electrical contacts53D that communicate with the circuitry 56. Optionally, when the cover70′ is disposed adjacent the power base 50′, the one or more electricalcontacts 53D of the power base 50′ can contact the one or moreelectrical contacts 73 of the cover 70′. Optionally, the controlcircuitry 56 can provide power (e.g., from the one or more power storageelements or batteries 55) to the one or more thermoelectric elements 71via the one or more electrical contacts 53D, 73 to operate the one ormore thermoelectric elements 71. In operation, the one or morethermoelectric elements 71 draw heat from the drinkware container 100via the cold side 71B and transfer it to the hot side 71A, therebyactively cooling the drinkware container 100 and the contents (e.g.,water, milk, breast milk, baby formula, etc.) in the container 100(e.g., in the chamber C of the container 100). Optionally, the cover 70′can have one or more heat sinks (e.g., fins) to dissipate heat from thehot side 71A to the environment. Advantageously, operation of the one ormore thermoelectric elements 71 as described above can allow thecontents of the drinkware container 100 to be selectively chilled untilready for use (e.g., chilled while in transit, during travel, etc.).Operation (e.g., turning on) of the one or more thermoelectric elements71 can optionally be effected automatically by the circuitry 56 uponcoupling of the cover 70′ to the power base 50′. Alternatively,operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements 71 can effectedupon receipt of instructions by the circuitry 56 from a user (e.g., viaa user interface on the power base 50′ or wirelessly via an electronicdevice, such as a mobile electronic device, that sends instructions tothe power base 50′, as further described below).

With continued reference to FIG. 11B, in one implementation the sleeve70′ is a cylindrical sleeve and one piece (e.g. integrated with,monolithic with, etc.) the power base 50′. In such an implementation,magnets 24 and electromagnets 59 are excluded. Further, in such animplementation, the electrical contacts 73, 53D are excluded and one ormore electrical lines 77 extend between the one or more thermoelectricelements 71 and the circuitry 56.

With reference to FIGS. 11A, 11B, the power base 50, 50′ can optionallybe used without the sleeve 70, 70′ (as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B). In oneimplementation, the power base 50, 50′ can optionally include one ormore weight sensors 81 that communicate with the circuitry 56. The oneor more weight sensors 81 can measure a weight (e.g., ounces, pounds,grams, kilograms, etc.) of the drinkware container 100 when thedrinkware container 100 is placed on the power base 50, 50′. In oneimplementation, the one or more weight sensors 81 can include a straingauge. In another implementation, the one or more weight sensors 81 caninclude a capacitive force sensor. In another implementation, the one ormore weight sensors 81 can include a piezoresistive force sensor. In oneimplementation, the one or more weight sensors 81 can be at or proximatea top surface 52 of the power base 50, 50′. In another implementation,the one or more weight sensors 81 can be at or proximate a bottomsurface 58 of the power base 50, 50′. However, the one or more weightsensors 81 can be located in other suitable locations on the power base50, 50′ where they can be exposed to a force coinciding with theplacement of the drinkware container 100 on the power base 50, 50′. Inone implementation, the one or more weight sensors 81 can besubstantially aligned with a center axis (e.g., axis of symmetry) of thepower base 50, 50′. In another implementation, the one or more weightsensors 81 can be substantially unaligned with the center axis (e.g.,off center relative to an axis of symmetry) of the power base 50, 50′.

FIG. 11C is a schematic block diagram of one example of the power base50 implementing one or more features of the present disclosure. Forclarity, the one or more electrical contacts 53A, 53B, and one or moreelectromagnets 59 are excluded from the figure. However, one of skill inthe art will recognize that such features can be included in the powerbase 50 shown in FIG. 11C in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 11A.

The power base 50 optionally includes one or more antennae 63 thatcommunicate with a transceiver 62 and optionally implement a wirelesstelecommunication standard (e.g., WiFi 802.11, 3G, BLUETOOTH®). Thepower base 50 can have a printed circuit board (PCB) 56 that optionallyhas a processor or microcontroller unit (MCU) 60 and optionally has acomputer readable medium (e.g., memory) 61 mounted thereon. Optionally,the optional transceiver 62 and optional antennae 63 can also be mountedon the PCB 56. The power base 50 optionally includes a user interface 64that communicates with the processor 60. The user interface 64 canoptionally include one or more of: a digital screen, a dot matrixdisplay, a visual indicator, an indicator light, a capacitive touchsensor, a gesture sensor, etc. The power base 50 can also include one ormore timers 69 that communicate time information to the MCU 60.

The transceiver 62 can generate wireless (e.g., RF) signals fortransmission via the antenna 63. Furthermore, the transceiver 62 canreceive incoming wireless (e.g., RF) signals from the antenna 63. Itwill be understood that various functionalities associated withtransmitting and receiving of wireless (e.g., RF) signals can beachieved by one or more components that are collectively represented inFIG. 11B as the transceiver 62. For example, a single component can beconfigured to provide both transmitting and receiving functionalities.In another example, transmitting and receiving functionalities can beprovided by separate components.

In FIG. 11C, one or more output signals from the transceiver 62 aredepicted as being provided to the antenna 63 via one or moretransmission paths 65. The transmit paths 65 can optionally include oneor more power amplifiers to aid in boosting, for example, an RF signalhaving a relatively low power to a higher power suitable fortransmission. Although FIG. 11C illustrates a configuration using onetransmission path 65, the power base 50 can optionally have more thanone transmission path 65.

In FIG. 11C, one or more detected signals from the antenna 63 aredepicted as being provided to the transceiver 62 via one or morereceiving paths 66. Although FIG. 11C illustrates one receiving path 66,the power base 50 can optionally have more than one receiving path 66.In one implementation, the transceiver 62 and one or more antennae 63are excluded.

The processor 60 can optionally facilitate the implementation of variousprocesses disclosed herein on the power base 50. The processor 60 can bea general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus. In certain implementations, thepower base 50 optionally includes a computer-readable memory 61, whichcan include computer program instructions (e.g., power deliveryalgorithms, temperature setpoints at which to operate the one or moreheating or cooling elements 42) that may be provided to and executed bythe processor 60. The one or more power storage elements 55 (e.g.,batteries) can optionally be any suitable battery for use in the powerbase 50, including, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

Communication with Cloud

With continued reference to FIG. 11C, as discussed above the power base50 can optionally communicate (e.g., one-way communication, two-waycommunication) with one or more remote electronic devices 150 (e.g.,mobile phone, tablet computer, desktop computer) via a wired or wirelessconnection (e.g., 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n standards, 3G, 4G,LTE, BLUETOOTH®, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the power base 50can optionally communicate with a cloud-based data storage system orserver CL, via one or both of a wired or wireless connection (e.g.,802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n standards, 3G, 4G, LTE, etc.).Optionally, the power base 50 can communicate with the remote electronicdevice 150 via an app (mobile application software) that is optionallydownloaded (e.g., from the cloud) onto the remote electronic device 150.The app can provide one or more graphical user interface screens viawhich the remote electronic device 150 can display one or more datareceived from the power base 50 and/or information transmitted from theremote electronic device 150 to the power base 50. Optionally, a usercan provide instructions to the power base 50 via the one or more of thegraphical user interface screens on the remote electronic device 150(e.g., temperature setpoint at which to heat the contents of thedrinkware container 100, turning on or off power to the one or moreheating or cooling elements 42, 42A, 42B, thermoelectric modules 71,electromagnets 59, etc.). Such communication with one or both of aremote electronic device 150 (e.g., mobile electronic device, such as asmartphone or tablet computer) and a cloud-based data storage system orserver CL makes the power base or electronic base 50 a smart base.

In another variation, the graphical user interface (GUI) screen of theremote electronic device 150 can optionally provide a dashboard displayof one or more parameters associated with the use of the drinkwarecontainer 100. For example, the GUI can provide an indication of powersupply left in the one or more batteries 55, such as % of life left ortime remaining before battery power drains completely, temperature inchamber C, etc., for example while the drinkware container 100 is intransit (e.g., during a commute) and before the one or more heating orcooling elements 42 are actuated to heat the contents in the chamber Cof the drinkware container 100.

Optionally, the power base 50 can communicate information (e.g., one ormore of a temperature of the contents in the chamber C, a start time ofa feeding event, an end time of a feeding event, a duration of a feedingevent, the number of feeding events per day, an amount, for examplevolume, consumed during a feeding event) to the cloud CL on a periodicbasis (e.g., every hour, one a day, on a continuous basis in real time,etc.). For example, the start time of a feeding event (START_TIME) cansubstantially coincide with the time the drinkware container 100 isremoved from the power base 50 after the alert has been sent to the user(e.g., wirelessly sent to the remote electronic device 150) that thedesired temperature of the contents in the chamber C of the drinkwarecontainer 100 has been reached. The end time of a feeding event(END_TIME) can substantially coincide with the time the drinkwarecontainer 100 is placed back on the power base 50 after a START_TIME hasbeen logged by the power base 150 (e.g., by the MCU 60). The duration ofthe feeding event (DURATION_TIME) can be calculated (e.g., by the MCU60) based on the difference between the END_TIME and START_TIME loggedby the power base 150 (e.g., by the MCU 60). The number of feedings(FEEDING_COUNT) can be calculated (e.g., by the MCU 60) based on thenumber of START_TIMES logged and/or number of END_TIMES logged (e.g., bythe MCU 150) in a twenty-four hour period. The amount (e.g., volume)consumed in a feeding event (FEEDING_AMOUNT) can be calculated (e.g., bythe MCU 60) based on the difference in the measured weight (from theweight sensor 81) of the drinkware container 100 at the loggedSTART_TIME and the measured weight (from the weight sensor 81) at thelogged END_TIME for a feeding event.

Once stored on the cloud CL, such information can be accessed via one ormore remote electronic devices 150 (e.g., via a dashboard on a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, etc.),advantageously allowing, for example, a user (e.g., parent, caregiver)to track the number of feeding events and/or timing of feeding eventsand/or amounts consumed (e.g., of milk, breast milk, infant formula,water, etc.) by an infant. Optionally, such information (e.g., one ormore of start time, end time, duration and amount, such as volume, offeedings) can be communicated (e.g., via a push notification) from thecloud CL to the remote electronic device 150. Such a dashboard can allowa user (e.g., parent, guardian) to view and compare (e.g., in bar chartform, pie chart form, etc.) infant feeding events (e.g., duration, starttime and stop time, amount (volume) consumed) during a period selectedby the user (e.g., day to day, over a week, week-to-week, over a month,etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the power base or smart base 50can store in a memory 61 such information, which can be accessed fromthe power base 50 by the user via a wired or wireless connection (e.g.,via the remote electronic device 150).

Optionally, the power base or smart base 50 can provide one or morealerts (e.g., visual alerts, aural alerts) to a user via one or both ofthe user interface 64 on the power base or smart base 50 and the remoteelectronic device 150 (e.g., via a GUI screen of an app associated withthe power base 50 and/or drinkware container 100). Such alerts andindicate to the user one or more of the following: a) instructions toplace the empty drinkware container 100 on the power or smart base 50 torecord (with the weight sensor 81) an initial weight (EMPTY) of thedrinkware container 100 without liquid, b) instructions to placedrinkware container 100 (once filled with liquid) on the power base 50to record (with the weight sensor 81) initial weigh-in and/or to start aheating process of the contents in the chamber C, c) instructions toremove the drinkware container 100 from the power base 50 once thetemperature setpoint for the contents in the chamber C is reached,recording a feeding start time once the drinkware container 100 isremoved, d) instructions to place the drinkware container 100 on thepower base 50 to record (with the weight sensor 81) an end weigh-inafter drinkware container 100 was removed at step c), e) recording afeeding end time once the drinkware container 100 is replaced on thepower base 50, and f) battery power available.

FIG. 11D is a schematic diagram of an optional implementation of thedrinkware container assembly or travel pack TP″. The travel pack TP″assembly can include a conventional drinkware container BB (e.g.,conventional infant bottle) having a chamber C″ disposed on a smart base50″. A cover 70 can optionally be disposed over the drinkware containerBB and attached to the smart base 50″. The cover 70 can be identical tothe cover 70 described above in connection with FIG. 11A. The smart base50″ can optionally be similar to the power base 50 in FIG. 11A (e.g.,include the same components as the power base 50 in FIG. 11A), except asdescribed below. Therefore, the same numerical identifiers are used inFIG. 11D to identify similar components shown in FIG. 11A, except that a“ ” “is added to the numerical identifier, and the descriptioncorresponding to such components in FIG. 11A are understood to alsoapply to the similarly numbered components in FIG. 11D.

The smart base 50” differs from the power base 50 in FIG. 11A in that itexcludes electrical contacts 53A, 53B and proximity sensor 57. The smartbase 50″ optionally includes one or more power storage elements 55″(e.g., batteries, such as rechargeable batteries), one or moreelectromagnets 59″ and one or more weight sensors 81″, all of whichoptionally communicate with circuitry 56″. As discussed in connectionwith power base 50 in FIG. 11A, the electromagnet(s) 59 are actuatableto couple with magnets 24 in cover 70 to retain the drinkware containerBB between the smart base 50″ and the cover 70. As discussed above, theone or more weight sensors 81 are operable to measure a weight of thedrinkware container BB (e.g., when empty, when filled with liquid) andto communicate the measured amounts to the circuitry 56″.

FIG. 11E is a schematic diagram of an optional implementation of thedrinkware container assembly or travel pack TP′″. The travel pack TP′″assembly can include a conventional drinkware container BB (e.g.,conventional infant bottle) having a chamber C′″ disposed on a smartbase 50″. A cover 70′ can optionally be disposed over the drinkwarecontainer BB and attached to the smart base 50′″. The cover 70′ can beidentical to the cover 70′ described above in connection with FIG. 11B.The smart base 50′″ can optionally be similar to the power base 50′ inFIG. 11B (e.g., include the same components as the power base 50′ inFIG. 11B), except as described below. Therefore, the same numericalidentifiers are used in FIG. 11E to identify similar components shown inFIG. 11B, except that a “′″” is added to the numerical identifier, andthe description corresponding to such components in FIG. 11B areunderstood to also apply to the similarly numbered components in FIG.11E.

The smart base 50′″ differs from the power base 50′ in FIG. 11D in thatit excludes electrical contacts 53A, 53B and proximity sensor 57. Thesmart base 50′″ optionally includes one or more power storage elements55′″ (e.g., batteries, such as rechargeable batteries), one or moreelectromagnets 59′″ and one or more weight sensors 81′″, and one or moreelectrical contacts 53D′″, all of which optionally communicate withcircuitry 56′″. As discussed in connection with power base 50′ in FIG.11B, the electromagnet(s) 59′″ are actuatable to couple with magnets 24in cover 70′ to retain the drinkware container BB between the smart base50′″ and the cover 70′. As discussed above, the one or more weightsensors 81′″ are operable to measure a weight of the drinkware containerBB (e.g., when empty, when filled with liquid) and to communicate themeasured amounts to the circuitry 56′″. As discussed previously inconnection with FIG. 11B, power can be provided from the one or morepower storage elements 55′″ (via the circuitry 56′″) to the one or morethermoelectric elements 71 (via electrical contacts 53D in smart base50′″ and electrical contacts 73 in the cover 70′) to operate the one ormore thermoelectric elements 71 to cool the contents in the chamber C′″.

FIG. 11F is a schematic block diagram of the smart base 50″, 50′″implementing one or more features of the present disclosure. Forclarity, the one or more electrical contacts 53A, 53B, and one or moreelectromagnets 59 are excluded from the figure. However, one of skill inthe art will recognize that such features can be included in the smartbase 50″, 50′″ shown in FIG. 11F in a similar manner as shown in FIGS.11D-E. Therefore, the same numerical identifiers are used in FIG. 11F toidentify similar components shown in FIG. 11C, except that a ″ ″ or ′″ ″is added to the numerical identifier, and the description correspondingto such components in FIG. 11C is understood to also apply to thesimilarly numbered components in FIG. 11F.

The smart base 50″, 50′″, 50G, 50H in FIG. 11F operates in a similarmanner as the smart base 50 in FIG. 11C, except that it does not providepower to a drinkware container. The smart base 50″, 50′″, 50G, 50H cancommunicate (wirelessly) with a remote electronic device 150 orcloud-based data storage system or server CL, in a similar manner asdescribed above for FIG. 11C. The smart base 50″, 50′″, 50G, 50H in FIG.11F can optionally be utilized with a conventional drinkware container(e.g., a conventional infant feeding bottle or sippy cup).

FIG. 11G is a schematic diagram of an optional implementation of thedrinkware container assembly 100G or travel pack TP″. The travel packTP″ assembly can include a conventional drinkware container BB (e.g.,conventional infant bottle) having a chamber C″ disposed on a smart base50G. A cover or sleeve 70G (e.g., cylindrical sleeve) can optionally beattached to (e.g., integrated with, one piece with) the smart base 50G.The smart base 50G can optionally be similar to the power base 50 inFIG. 11A (e.g., include the same components as the power base 50 in FIG.11A), except as described below. Therefore, the same numericalidentifiers are used in FIG. 11G to identify similar components shown inFIG. 11A, except that a “G” is added to the numerical identifier, andthe description corresponding to such components in FIG. 11A areunderstood to also apply to the similarly numbered components in FIG.11G.

The smart base 50G differs from the power base 50 in FIG. 11A in that itis integrated with (e.g., one piece with, monolithic with) the sleeve orcover 70G. The sleeve or cover 70G is sized to receive a drinkwarecontainer (e.g., infant bottle BB) in the opening defined by the sleeveabove the smart base 50G (e.g., so that the drinkware container, forexample infant bottle, contacts the top surface of the smart base 50G.The smart base 50G optionally includes one or more power storageelements 55G (e.g., batteries, such as rechargeable batteries), and oneor more weight sensors 81G, all of which optionally communicate withcircuitry 56G. As discussed above, the one or more weight sensors 81Gare operable to measure a weight of the drinkware container BB (e.g.,when empty, when filled with liquid) and to communicate the measuredamounts to the circuitry 56G. As shown in FIG. 11F, the smart base 50Gcan optionally communicate data with a remote electronic device (e.g.,smartphone, tablet computer) 150 and/or with a cloud-based data storagesystem CL.

FIG. 11H is a schematic diagram of an optional implementation of thedrinkware container assembly 100H. The container assembly 100H caninclude a conventional drinkware container BB (e.g., conventional infantbottle) having a chamber C″ disposed on a smart base 50H. The smart base50H can optionally be similar to the power base 50G in FIG. 11G (e.g.,include the same components as the power base 50G in FIG. 11G), exceptas described below. Therefore, the same numerical identifiers are usedin FIG. 11H to identify similar components shown in FIG. 11G, exceptthat an “H” is added to the numerical identifier, and the descriptioncorresponding to such components in FIG. 11G are understood to alsoapply to the similarly numbered components in FIG. 11H.

The smart base 50H differs from the power base 50G in FIG. 11G in thatthe sleeve or cover 70G is excluded, so that only the drinkwarecontainer BB is disposed on the power base 50H. The smart base 50Hoptionally includes one or more power storage elements 55H (e.g.,batteries, such as rechargeable batteries), and one or more weightsensors 81H, all of which optionally communicate with circuitry 56H. Asdiscussed above, the one or more weight sensors 81H are operable tomeasure a weight of the drinkware container BB (e.g., when empty, whenfilled with liquid) and to communicate the measured amounts to thecircuitry 56H. As shown in FIG. 11F, the smart base 50H can optionallycommunicate data with a remote electronic device (e.g., smartphone,tablet computer) 150 and/or with a cloud-based data storage system CL.

Communication of Sensor Signals

FIGS. 12A-12D show schematic diagrams of optional electronics in thedrinkware container 100 (e.g., in the module 30 of the drinkwarecontainer 100) and power base or smart base 50, and in particularoptional electronics used for communicating information (e.g., signals)from the one or more sensors 80 in the drinkware container 100 to thepower base or smart base 50. For sake of clarity, other electronics inthe drinkware container 100 (e.g., in the module 30 of the drinkwarecontainer 100) and the power base 50, in particular electronics relatedto the transfer of power to the drinkware container 100, are excluded.The optional electronics in FIGS. 12A-12D can optionally be implementedin any of the drinkware containers 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100C′, 100D,100E, 100F and power/smart base systems 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″, 50C, 50C′,50D, 50E, 50F disclosed herein.

With reference to FIG. 12A, signals or sensed data from the one or moresensors 80 are optionally communicated to the power base 50 (e.g., whenthe drinkware container 100 is disposed upon the power base 50) via anRFID tag and reader system. In one implementation the drinkwarecontainer 100 (e.g., the module 30 of the drinkware container 100)optionally includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag 25,which can optionally have an integrated circuit 25A and an antenna 25B.The one or more sensors 80 can communicate with (e.g., communicatesignals corresponding to sensed data to) the RFID tag 25. In oneimplementation, the RFID tag 25 can communicate with the circuitry 22.

The power base 50 optionally includes an RFID reader 67. Optionally, theRFID reader 67 communicates with one or both of the circuitry 56 (e.g.,with the processor 60) and the one or more power storage elements 55.The RFID reader 67 can read (e.g., wirelessly) the signals or senseddata on the RFID tag 25 (e.g., sensed data communicated by the one ormore sensors 80), for example when the drinkware container 100 (e.g.,when the module 30 of the drinkware container 100) is proximate to(e.g., disposed upon, adjacent to, in contact with or supported on) thepower base 50, and can optionally communicate the signals or sensed datato the processor 60, where the processor 60 can optionally process thedata. Optionally, where the power base 50 includes a transceiver 62, thesensed data can be communicated from the power base 50 to a remoteelectronic device or mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone ortablet computer.

Optionally, the RFID tag 25 is a passive tag and is powered by the RFIDreader 67. That is, there is no power source in the drinkware container100 (e.g., in the module 30 of the drinkware container 100) andcommunication of the sensed data or signals from the one or more sensors80 via the RFID tag 25 is powered by the one or more power storageelements 55 in the power base 50, for example when the drinkwarecontainer 100 (e.g., when the module 30 of the drinkware container 100)is proximate to (e.g., disposed upon, adjacent to, in contact with orsupported on) the power base 50.

With reference to FIG. 12B, signals or sensed data from the one or moresensors 80 are optionally communicated to the power base 50 (e.g., whenthe drinkware container 100 is disposed upon the power base 50) via anantenna (e.g., RF antenna) in the drinkware container 100 and receiver(e.g., RF receiver) in the power base 50. In one implementation thedrinkware container 100 (e.g., the module 30 of the drinkware container100) optionally includes circuitry 22 with a processor ormicrocontroller unit 22A and at least one radiofrequency antenna 22Bthat optionally communicates with the processor 22A. As previouslydiscussed, the one or more sensors 80 can communicate with (e.g.,communicate signals corresponding to sensed data to) the circuitry 22.

The power base 50 optionally includes a receiver (e.g., radiofrequencyreceiver) 62B. In one implementation, the receiver 62B can be part ofthe transceiver 62; in another implementation the receiver 62B can be aseparate component than the transceiver 62. Optionally, the receiver 62Bcommunicates with the circuitry 56 (e.g., with the processor 60 of thecircuitry 56). The antenna 22B can optionally be a short range antenna,and the receiver 62B can be a short range RF receiver.

The receiver 62B can receive (e.g., wirelessly) the signals or senseddata (e.g., sensed data communicated by the one or more sensors 80) viathe antenna 22B, for example when the drinkware container 100 (e.g.,when the module 30 of the drinkware container 100) is proximate to(e.g., disposed upon, adjacent to, in contact with or supported on) thepower base 50, and can optionally communicate the signals or sensed datato the processor 60, where the processor 60 can optionally process thedata. Optionally, where the power base 50 includes a transceiver 62, thesensed data can be communicated from the power base 50 to a remoteelectronic device or mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone ortablet computer.

Optionally, the antenna 22B, circuitry 22 and one or more sensors 80 arepowered by the power base 50. That is, there is no power source in thedrinkware container 100 (e.g., in the module 30 of the drinkwarecontainer 100) and communication of the sensed data or signals from theone or more sensors 80 via the antenna 22B is powered by the one or morepower storage elements 55 in the power base 50, for example when thedrinkware container 100 (e.g., when the module 30 of the drinkwarecontainer 100) is proximate to (e.g., disposed upon, adjacent to, incontact with or supported on) the power base 50.

With reference to FIG. 12C, signals or sensed data from the one or moresensors 80 are optionally communicated to the power base 50 (e.g., whenthe drinkware container 100 is disposed upon the power base 50) usingvia one or more light emitters in the drinkware container 100 and one ormore receivers in the power base 50, for example using visible lightcommunication technology.

In one implementation the drinkware container 100 (e.g., the module 30of the drinkware container 100) optionally includes circuitry 22 with aprocessor or microcontroller unit 22A. As previously discussed, the oneor more sensors 80 can communicate with (e.g., communicate signalscorresponding to sensed data to) the circuitry 22, which are optionallyprocessed by the processor 22A. Additionally, the drinkware container100 (e.g., the module 30 of the drinkware container 100) optionallyincludes one or more light emitters 22C (e.g., infrared light emitter,ultraviolet light emitter, light emitting diodes (LEDs)) incommunication with the circuitry 22 (e.g., in communication with theprocessor 22A of the circuitry 22). Optionally, the processor 22A canprocess the signals from the one or more sensors 80 and operate the oneor more light emitters 22C (e.g., at one or more frequencies) tocommunicate said signals as one or more light signals. For example, theprocessor 22A can process the signals from the one or more sensors 80into on/off instructions for the one or more light emitters 22C at oneor more frequencies (e.g., to convert the signals into binary code). Theone or more light emitters 22C can then be operated (e.g., flash on andoff) according to the on/off instructions from the processor 22A.

The power base 50 optionally includes one or more receivers 68 (e.g.,having a photodiode, image sensor, etc.) that can receive (e.g.,wirelessly) the one or more light signals from the one or more lightemitters 22C, for example when the drinkware container 100 (e.g., whenthe module 30 of the drinkware container 100) is proximate to (e.g.,disposed upon, adjacent to, in contact with or supported on) the powerbase 50. The receiver 68 optionally interprets the received light signal(e.g., the binary code provided by the light signals) and communicatesthe received information to the circuitry 56 (e.g., to the processor 60of the circuitry 56). In another implementation, the receiver 68communicates the light signal from to the circuitry 56 withoutinterpreting the signal. The circuitry 56 (e.g., the processor 60 of thecircuitry) optionally processes the received light signal (e.g.,interprets the binary code communicated by the signal). Accordingly, thereceiver 68 can receive (wirelessly) the signals or sensed data (e.g.,sensed data from the one or more sensors 80) via the one or more lightemitters 22C.

Optionally, where the power base 50 includes a transceiver 62, thesensed data can be communicated from the power base 50 (via thetransceiver 62) to a remote electronic device or mobile electronicdevice, such as a smartphone or tablet computer.

Optionally, the circuitry 22, one or more light emitters 22C and one ormore sensors 80 are powered by the power base 50. That is, there is nopower source in the drinkware container 100 (e.g., in the module 30 ofthe drinkware container 100) and communication of the sensed data orsignals from the one or more sensors 80 via the one or more lightemitters 22C is powered by the one or more power storage elements 55 inthe power base 50, for example when the drinkware container 100 (e.g.,when the module 30 of the drinkware container 100) is proximate to(e.g., disposed upon, adjacent to, in contact with or supported on) thepower base 50.

With reference to FIG. 12D, signals or sensed data from the one or moresensors 80 are optionally communicated to the power base 50 (e.g., whenthe drinkware container 100 is disposed upon the power base 50) via oneor more electrical contacts in the drinkware container 100 (e.g., in themodule 30 of the drinkware container 100) and one or more electricalcontacts in the power base 50.

In one implementation the drinkware container 100 (e.g., the module 30of the drinkware container 100) optionally includes circuitry 22 with aprocessor or microcontroller unit 22A. As previously discussed, the oneor more sensors 80 can communicate with (e.g., communicate signalscorresponding to sensed data to) the circuitry 22, which are optionallyprocessed by the processor 22A. Additionally, the drinkware container100 (e.g., the module 30 of the drinkware container 100) optionallyincludes one or more electrical contacts 33A, 33B, 33C in communicationwith the circuitry 22 (e.g., in communication with the processor 22A ofthe circuitry 22). The processor 22A can optionally process the signalsfrom the one or more sensors 80. For example, the processor 22A canoptionally convert the signals from the one or more sensors 80 into oneor more pulsed signals (e.g., on/off signal) at one or more frequencies(e.g., to convert the signals into binary code) and communicate pulsedsignal to at least one of the one or more electrical contacts 33A, 33B,33C.

At least one of one or more electrical contacts 53A, 53B, 53C of thepower base 50 can receive the one or more pulsed signals from said atleast one of the one or more electrical contacts 33A, 33B, 33C, forexample when the drinkware container 100 (e.g., when the module 30 ofthe drinkware container 100) is proximate to (e.g., disposed upon,adjacent to, in contact with or supported on) the power base 50. The oneor more electrical contacts 53A, 53B, 53C can communicate with thecircuitry 56 (e.g., with a processor 60 of the circuitry). For example,the processor 60 can optionally process the received signals from theone or more electrical contacts 53A, 53B, 53C (e.g., to interpret thebinary code in the received pulsed signal).

Optionally, where the power base 50 includes a transceiver 62, thesensed data can be communicated from the power base 50 to a remoteelectronic device or mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone ortablet computer.

Optionally, the circuitry 22, one or more electrical contacts 33A, 33B,33C and one or more sensors 80 are powered by the power base 50. Thatis, there is no power source in the drinkware container 100 (e.g., inthe module 30 of the drinkware container 100) and communication of thesensed data or signals from the one or more sensors 80 via the one ormore light electrical contacts 33A, 33B, 33C is powered by the one ormore power storage elements 55 in the power base 50, for example whenthe drinkware container 100 (e.g., when the module 30 of the drinkwarecontainer 100) is proximate to (e.g., disposed upon, adjacent to, incontact with or supported on) the power base 50.

FIG. 12D shows three electrical contacts 33A, 33B, 33C in the drinkwarecontainer 100 (e.g., in the module 30 of the drinkware container 100)and three corresponding electrical contacts 53A, 53B, 53C in the powerbase 50. In this implementation, two of the three contacts (e.g., 33A,33B; 53A, 53B) in the drinkware container 100 and the power base 50 canbe used to transmit power from the power base 50 to the drinkwarecontainer 100 and one of the three electrical contacts (e.g., 33C, 53C)can be used to communicate signals from the one or more sensors 80 tothe power base 50, in the manner discussed above.

In another implementation, each of the drinkware container 100 and thepower base 50 can instead have only two electrical contacts (e.g., 33A,33B; 53A, 53B), which are used to transmit power from the power base 50to the drinkware container 100 as well as to communicate signals orsensed data from the one or more sensors 80 to the power base 50. Thecircuitry 22 (e.g., the processor 22A of the circuitry) can optionallyconvert the signals from the one or more sensors 80 into a pulsed signaland communicate the pulsed signal along with the power signal throughthe electrical contacts 33A, 33B to the contacts 53A, 53B, which in turncommunicate the pulsed signal along with the power signal to thecircuitry 56 (e.g., to the processor 60 of the circuitry 56). Thecircuitry 56 (e.g., the processor 60) can optionally separate the pulsedsignal from the power signal and process it (e.g., interpret the binarycode in the received pulsed signal).

FIGS. 13A-13C show examples of actuating one or both of a power/smartbase and an actively heated or cooled drinkware container that canoptionally be implemented in any of the drinkware containers 100, 100A,100B, 100C, 100C′, 100D, 100E, 100F and power/smart base systems 50,50′, 50″, 50′″, 50C, 50C′, 50D, 50E, 50F disclosed herein.

With reference to FIG. 13A, the power base or smart base 50, 50′, 50″,50′″ can include a mechanical switch on the bottom surface 58 that canbe activated when the uses pushes down on the power base or smart base50, 50′, 50″, 50′″ (e.g., when the user pushes down on the cover 70, 70′when it's disposed thereon) against a surface, such as a table. Forexample, the power button PS1 (see FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11D, 11E) can be sucha mechanical switch. In operation, the user can, for example, push downon the cover 70, 70′ for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 2seconds, 3 seconds, 5 seconds) until an indication (e.g., visual, aural)is provided by the power base or smart base 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″. Forexample, one or more indicator lights 51 can illuminate and/orilluminate in a certain color (e.g., green) once the predeterminedperiod of time has passed to indicate the heating cycle for thedrinkware container disposed between the cover 70, 70′ and the powerbase or smart base 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″ has been activated. In anotherimplementation, the power base or smart base 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″ canadditionally or alternatively provide an audio signal (e.g., beep) oncethe predetermined period of time has passed. Advantageously, this allowsthe user to easily activate/initiate the heating of the contents in thedrinkware container 100, without having to press a button or activatethe power base or smart base 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″ via a remote electronicdevice 150 (e.g., a smartphone). Therefore, the user can easily initiatethe heating process for the contents (e.g., breast milk, infant formula,milk) in the drinkware container 100, even if the user is away fromtheir smartphone or tablet computer.

With reference to FIG. 13B, the power base or smart base 50, 50′, 50″,50′″ can be pressed against the user's hand to initiate the heatingprocess (e.g., if not near a desk, table or other flat surface). Forexample, the user can grab the sides of the cover 70, 70′ and press thepower base or smart base 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″ against the palm of theirhand. As with the implementation in FIG. 13A, the user can, for example,push down on the cover 70, 70′ for a predetermined amount of time (e.g.,2 seconds, 3 seconds, 5 seconds) until an indication (e.g., visual,aural) is provided by the power base or smart base 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″.For example, one or more indicator lights 51 can illuminate and/orilluminate in a certain color (e.g., green) once the predeterminedperiod of time has passed to indicate the heating cycle for thedrinkware container disposed between the cover 70, 70′ and the powerbase or smart base 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″ has been activated. In anotherimplementation, the power base or smart base 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″ canadditionally or alternatively provide an audio signal (e.g., beep) oncethe predetermined period of time has passed.

With reference to FIG. 13B, if the cover 70, 70′ is not on the powerbase or smart base 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″, the use can activate/initiate theheating process to heat the contents (e.g., breast milk, infant formula,milk, etc.) in the drinkware container 100 by touching and/or pressingon the button PS2 of the power base or smart base 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″. Aswith the implementations in FIGS. 13A-13B, the user can, for example,push down on the button PS2 for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 2seconds, 3 seconds, 5 seconds) until an indication (e.g., visual, aural)is provided by the power base or smart base 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″. Forexample, one or more indicator lights 51 can illuminate and/orilluminate in a certain color (e.g., green) once the predeterminedperiod of time has passed to indicate the heating cycle for thedrinkware container 100 has been activated. In another implementation,the power base or smart base 50, 50′, 50″, 50′″ can additionally oralternatively provide an audio signal (e.g., beep) once thepredetermined period of time has passed.

Method of Operation

In one implementation, there is no power source in the drinkwarecontainer 100 (e.g., in the module 30 of the drinkware container 100).Instead, power is transmitted to the drinkware container 100 (e.g., tothe circuitry 22, one or more heating elements 42, one or more sensors80) from the power base 50, for example when the drinkware container 100(e.g., when the module 30 of the drinkware container 100) is proximateto (e.g., disposed upon, adjacent to, in contact with or supported on)the power base 50. Accordingly, the electronics in the drinkwarecontainer 100 (e.g., circuitry 22, one or more sensors 80, one or moreheating elements 42) are not operable while the drinkware container 100is detached from the power base 50, such as during consumption of thecontents (e.g. liquid) in the drinkware container 100. For example,where the drinkware container 100 is an infant bottle (or sippy cup),electronics in the drinkware container 100 are advantageously notoperable while the child consumes the liquid in the infant bottle (orsippy cup). Optionally, the circuitry 22 in the drinkware container 100can require low power (e.g., a low power processor 22A, low powerantenna 22B, 25B).

In use, a user can pour liquid (e.g., cold milk) in the chamber C of thedrinkware container 100 and cover the container 100 with the cover 70and couple the container 100 and/or cover 70 (e.g., via a threadedconnection, via magnets such as electromagnets) to the power base 50.The cover 70 advantageously thermally insulates the drinkware container100, allowing the liquid in the chamber C to substantially retain itscooled temperature for an extended period of time (e.g., 8 hours orless, 6 hours or less, 4 hours or less, 2 hours or less).

The user can actuate the heating of the contents in the chamber C byproviding a “start heating” instruction to the power base 50. Forexample, the user can actuate (e.g., touch, press, push, gesture at) auser interface (such as user interface 64) of the power base 50 todeliver power to the one or more heating elements 42 in the drinkwarecontainer 100 (e.g., via the electrical contacts 53A, 53B in the powerbase 50 and electrical contacts 33A, 33B in the module 30). Further, theuser can optionally select a temperature setpoint or temperature rangeto which the contents of the chamber C are to be heated via the userinterface of the power base 50. Where the power base 50 includes atransceiver 62, the user can additionally (or alternatively) provide the“start heating” instruction and user selected temperature setpoint ortemperature range to the power base 50 wirelessly (e.g., via a remoteelectronic device 150).

The remote electronic device 150 can optionally be a mobile electronicdevice, such as smartphone or tablet computer, which can communicatewith the power base 50 via, for example WiFi or BLUETOOTH®. The remoteelectronic device 150 can optionally be a voice activated intelligentpersonal assistant (e.g., ALEXA™ by AMAZON®) device that can communicatewith the power base 50, for example via WiFi. Accordingly, in anadditional or alternative implementation, the operation of the powerbase 50, and therefore the operation of the heating or cooling of thecontents of the drinkware container 100, can be effected via wirelessinstructions received from the remote electronic device 150 (e.g.,received via voice activation of an intelligent personal assistant thatcommunicates with the power base 50).

In an additional or alternative implementation, the temperature setpointor temperature range is not communicated by the use but is insteadpreset and stored in the power base 50 (e.g., in the computer readablemedium 61), for example during manufacturing. In this implementation,the power base 50 operates the delivery of power to the drinkwarecontainer 100 to operate the one or more heating elements 42 to achievesaid preset temperature during the heating process.

Advantageously, the cover 70 remains over the drinkware container 100during the heating operation, making the heating process more efficientas the cover 70 inhibits loss of heat through the walls of the vessel10, module 30 or lid 200. The one or more sensors 80 sense one or moreparameters of the contents in the chamber C. For example, the one ormore sensors 80 sense temperature in the chamber C, liquid level in thechamber C, etc. and communicate the sensed information to the power base50 in the manners disclosed above. Circuitry 56 in the power base 50optionally determines when the contents in the chamber C have reachedthe temperature setpoint, for example via the sensed data communicatedby the one or more sensors 80 to the power base 50. In one optionalimplementation, the circuitry 56 automatically ends the heating process(e.g., by disallowing transfer of power from the power base 50 to thedrinkware container 100) when the temperature setpoint or temperaturerange is reached.

The power base 50 optionally communicates a signal (e.g., visual signal,audio signal) to the user indicating the heating process is complete andthe contents (e.g., liquid) in the chamber C are ready for consumption.Said signal can optionally include a color light (e.g., green) of theindicator light 51, or can optionally include a text message displayedon a user interface (e.g., user interface 64) of the power base 50, orcan optionally include a signal communicated wirelessly by the powerbase 50 to the mobile electronic device 150. In another optionalimplementation, the power base 50 ends the heating process uponreceiving a “stop heating” instruction from the user (e.g., via a userinterface on the power base 50, or wirelessly via the mobile electronicdevice 150).

Upon disallowing transfer of power from the power base 50 to thedrinkware container 100 (when the heating process has completed), thecover 70 can be decoupled from the power base 50 and the drinkwarecontainer 100 can be detached from the power base 50. For example, whereelectromagnetic coupling is used between the power base 50 and the cover70, disallowing transfer of power from the power base 50 to thedrinkware container 100 optionally automatically switches off theelectromagnets 59, allowing the cover 70 to be decoupled from the powerbase 50. Where the power base 50 includes one or more power storageelements 55, the power base 50 can be connected to power source torecharge the one or more power storage elements 55, in the mannerdiscussed above.

In implementations where the power base 50 includes a transceiver 62(see FIG. 11C), as discussed above, the power base 50 can wirelesslycommunicate with a remote electronic device, such as the mobileelectronic device 150 (e.g., smartphone, tablet computer, laptopcomputer, desktop computer) or voice activated intelligent personalassistant (e.g., ALEXA™ by AMAZON®). Such wireless communication withthe remote electronic device 150 advantageously allows, for example,easy operation of the infant bottle feeding system and collection ofinformation associated with the consumption of milk from the bottle(e.g., time of day of feeding, number of feedings a day, volume ofliquid, such as milk, consumed per feeding, etc.), thereby providing asmart infant bottle system. The infant bottle system can optionally beprogrammed (via the processor 60 and computer readable medium 61 in thecircuitry 56 of the power base 50) to heat (e.g., automatically withoutuser actuation) the milk at specific time(s) of day (e.g., based oncollected data of feeding patterns of infant). For example, a user canprogram future heating times for the infant bottle (e.g., drinkwarecontainer) using their smartphone via the wireless communication betweenthe power base 50 and the mobile electronic device 150. The power base50 can then deliver power to the drinkware container 100 at theprogrammed time so long as the drinkware container 100 is on the powerbase 50 (e.g., a proximity sensor signals the circuitry 56 in the powerbase 50 that the drinkware container 100 is on the power base) and solong as the one or more sensors 80 communicate a signal indicating thepresence of liquid in the chamber C to the power base 50.

In one implementation, at least one of the one or more sensors 80 canoptionally be operated to sense a level of liquid in the chamber C andto communicate the sensed information to the power base 50 (e.g., to thecircuitry 56 of the power base 50), as discussed above. The circuitry 56can optionally calculate a volume of liquid based on the sensed liquidlevel (e.g., using information stored on the computer readable medium(e.g., memory) 61 on the size of the chamber C in the drinkwarecontainer 100). Alternatively, at least one of the one or more sensors80 can sense a volume of liquid in the chamber C and communicate thesensed volume data to the power base 50 (e.g., to the circuitry 56 ofthe power base 50).

Advantageously, the power base 50 can log information on the volume ofliquid consumed in any feeding (e.g., save it on the computer readablemedium 61), as well as the time the feeding began and the duration ofthe feeding period (e.g., via time information provided by the timer 69to the MCU 60). For example, when a heating operation of the liquid(e.g., milk) in the drinkware container 100 is started, the power base50 can log the start volume (e.g., sensed volume, calculated volume) ofthe liquid. Once the heating process is completed, the drinkwarecontainer 100 is removed from the power base 50 and the infant is fedthe contents of the drinkware container 100. Upon completion of thefeeding session, the user can place the drinkware container 100 backonto the power base 50, at which point the power base 50 can again logthe end volume (e.g., sensed volume, calculated volume) of the liquid inthe drinkware container 100 and the circuitry 56 can calculate thevolume consumed by the infant (e.g., by subtracting the end volume fromthe start volume).

Optionally, the power base 50 can communicate data associated with thefeeding, such as one or more of feeding start time, feeding end time,feeding duration, and volume consumed to a user. For example, the powerbase 50 can communicate such data wirelessly to a mobile electronicdevice (e.g., via an app in the mobile electronic device), which can logfeeding data over a period of time (e.g., per day, per week, per month)that the user can access to view the consumption history by the infant.Additionally, or alternatively, the power base 50 can optionally savedata in the computer readable medium 61, and provide it to the user whenrequested by the user via the remote electronic device 150 (e.g., via asmartphone or via a voice activated intelligent personal assistant).

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS

In embodiments of the present invention, an infant bottle feeding systemmay be in accordance with any of the following clauses:

-   -   Clause 1. An infant bottle feeding system, comprising:    -   an electronic base configured to removably support an infant        bottle on an upper surface thereof, the electronic base        comprising:        -   one or more sensors, at least one of the one or more sensors            configured to sense a weight of the infant bottle when            placed on the electronic base,        -   a transceiver, and        -   circuitry configured to communicate with the one or more            sensors and the transceiver, the circuitry operable to:        -   record one or both of a start time and start weight of the            infant bottle prior to an infant feeding event,        -   record one or both of an end time and end weight of the            infant bottle following an infant feeding event,        -   calculate one or both of an elapsed time between the start            time and end time and a consumption amount based on a            difference between the start weight and end weight, and        -   one or both of store the elapsed time and consumption amount            in a memory of the electronic base and wirelessly            communicate via the transceiver the elapsed time and            consumption amount to one or both of a remote electronic            device and a to the cloud-based data storage system for            storage and from which data is accessible via a dashboard            interface on an electronic device; and    -   a thermal cover configured to fit over the infant bottle and to        releasably couple to the electronic base to completely enclose        the infant bottle between the thermal cover and the electronic        base, the thermal cover configured to insulate the infant bottle        and inhibit heat loss of liquid in the infant bottle.    -   Clause 2. The infant bottle feeding system of clause 1, wherein        the infant bottle, thermal cover and electronic base define a        single travel pack unit when coupled together.    -   Clause 3. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the thermal cover extends between a closed        distal end and an open proximal end through which the thermal        cover receives the infant bottle, the thermal cover comprising        an outer wall and an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall        to define a gap therebetween, the gap being under vacuum.    -   Clause 4. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the thermal cover further comprises a phase        change material in thermal communication with the inner wall,        the phase change material configured to absorb heat from the        infant bottle to thereby cool the contents of the infant bottle.    -   Clause 5. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the electronic base comprises one or more        batteries in communication with the circuitry.    -   Clause 6. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the infant bottle comprises        -   a body with a chamber configured to receive a liquid            therein,        -   one or more heating or cooling elements housed in the body            and in thermal communication with the chamber, the one or            more heating or cooling elements being operable to heat or            cool a liquid in the chamber, and        -   one or more sensors in communication with the chamber and            operable to sense one or more parameters of the liquid in            the chamber.    -   Clause 7. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the electronic base further comprises one or        more electrical contacts on a proximal surface thereof        configured to contact one or more electrical contacts on a        distal surface of the infant bottle configured to communicate        with one or both of the one or more heating or cooling elements        and one or more sensors, the electronic base configured to        deliver power to one or both of the one or more heating or        cooling elements and one or more sensors in the infant bottle        via the one or more electrical contacts in the electronic base        and in the infant bottle.    -   Clause 8. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the one or more electrical contacts in the        infant bottle are one or more rings radially spaced apart from        each other along and centered on an axis of the infant bottle,        and wherein the one or more electrical contacts in the        electronic base are one or more electrical pin contacts.    -   Clause 9. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the electronic base comprises one or more        proximity sensors operable to communicate a signal to the        circuitry in the electronic base when the infant bottle is on        the electronic base, the circuitry configured to disallow        transfer of power to the infant bottle unless said signal        indicating the infant bottle is on the electronic base is        received from the one or more proximity sensors.    -   Clause 10. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the transceiver is operable to wirelessly        transmit information to an electronic device and to receive        instructions from the electronic device, the circuitry in the        electronic base configured to operate the one or more heating or        cooling elements in the infant bottle based at least in part on        the received instructions when the infant bottle is on the        electronic base.    -   Clause 11. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the thermal cover removably couples to the        electronic base via one or more electromagnets in the electronic        base actuatable by the circuitry in the electronic base to        releasably couple to one or more permanent magnets in the        thermal cover.    -   Clause 12. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the infant bottle further comprises circuitry        configured to communicate with one or both of the one or more        heating or cooling elements and the one or more sensors.    -   Clause 13. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the one or more electrical contacts in the        electronic base and in the infant bottle are operable to        transmit power from the electronic base to the infant bottle as        well as to transmit data from the one or more sensors in the        infant bottle to the electronic base.    -   Clause 14. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the thermal cover comprises one or more        thermoelectric elements operable to cool at least a portion of        an inner wall of the thermal cover to thereby actively cool or        heat one or both of the infant bottle and a liquid in the infant        bottle when the infant bottle is disposed in the thermal cover,        the electronic base configured to transmit power to the one or        more thermoelectric elements in the thermal cover when the        thermal cover is coupled to the electronic base.    -   Clause 15. The infant bottle system of any preceding clause,        wherein the circuitry in the electronic base is operable to        receive data from the one or more sensors in the infant bottle        indicative of one or more of a temperature, a level, and a        volume of liquid in the chamber, the circuitry configured to        operate the one or more heating elements based on said data.    -   Clause 16. The infant bottle system of any preceding clause,        wherein the circuitry is operable to measure a volume of liquid        consumed during a feeding period based on the sensed data from        the one or more sensors in the infant bottle and to wirelessly        communicate said measured volume to one or both of the remote        electronic device and the cloud-based data storage system from        which the measured volume is accessible by a user via an        electronic device.    -   Clause 17. An infant bottle feeding system, comprising:        -   an infant bottle having a body with a chamber configured to            receive a liquid therein, the infant bottle comprising:            -   one or more heating elements housed in the body and in                thermal communication with the chamber and operable to                heat a liquid in the chamber, and            -   one or more sensors in communication with the chamber                and operable to sense one or more parameters of the                liquid in the chamber;        -   an electronic base removably attached to a bottom surface of            the infant bottle and configured to deliver power to            electronics in the infant bottle; and        -   a thermal cover configured to fit over the infant bottle and            to releasably couple to the electronic base to completely            enclose the infant bottle, the thermal cover configured to            insulate the infant bottle and inhibit heat loss of liquid            in the chamber,        -   wherein the electronic base is configured to deliver power            to one or both of the one or more heating elements and the            one or more sensors in the infant bottle only when the            infant bottle is on the electronic base, and wherein the            infant bottle, thermal cover and electronic base define a            single travel pack unit when coupled together.    -   Clause 18. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the electronic base comprises one or more        batteries and circuitry in communication with the one or more        batteries.    -   Clause 19. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the electronic base further comprises one or        more electrical contacts on a proximal surface configured to        contact one or more electrical contacts on a distal surface of        the infant bottle, the electronic base configured to deliver        power to one or both of the one or more heating elements and the        one or more sensors in the infant bottle via the one or more        electrical contacts in the electronic base and in the infant        bottle.    -   Clause 20. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the thermal cover extends between a closed        distal end and an open proximal end through which the thermal        cover receives the infant bottle, the thermal cover comprising        an outer wall and an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall        to define a gap therebetween, the gap being under vacuum, the        thermal cover further comprising a phase change material in        thermal communication with the inner wall, the phase change        material configured to absorb heat from the infant bottle to        thereby cool the liquid in the infant bottle.    -   Clause 21. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the electronic base comprises a transceiver        operable to wirelessly transmit information to one or both of a        remote electronic device and a cloud-based data storage system        and to receive instructions therefrom, the circuitry in the        electronic base configured to operate the one or more heating        elements in the infant bottle based at least in part on the        received instructions when the infant bottle is on the        electronic base.    -   Clause 22. The infant bottle feeding system of any preceding        clause, wherein the one or more electrical contacts in the        electronic base and in the infant bottle are operable to        transmit power from the electronic base to the infant bottle as        well as to transmit data from the one or more sensors in the        infant bottle to the electronic base.    -   Clause 23. The infant bottle system of any preceding clause,        wherein the circuitry in the electronic base is operable to        receive data from the one or more sensors in the infant bottle        indicative of one or more of a temperature, a level, and a        volume of liquid in the chamber, the circuitry configured to        operate the one or more heating elements based on said data.    -   Clause 24. The infant bottle system of any preceding clause,        wherein the circuitry is operable to measure an amount of liquid        consumed during a feeding period based on one or both of the        sensed data from the one or more sensors in the infant bottle        and a sensed weight of the infant bottle measured by one or more        weight sensors in the electronic base that communicate with the        circuitry in the electronic base, the circuitry operable to one        or both of store the measured amount in a memory of the        electronic base and wirelessly communicate via the transceiver        said measured amount to one or both of a remote electronic        device and a cloud-based data storage system from which the        measured amount is accessible by a user via an electronic        device.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of otherforms. For example, though the features disclosed herein are describedin connection with infant bottles (e.g., baby bottles, sippy cups), thefeatures are applicable to other drinkware containers and othercontainers (e.g., dishware, such as plates and bowls, serverware such asserving dishes and hot plates, food storage containers such as tortillawarmers, bread baskets) and the invention is understood to extend tosuch other containers. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions andchanges in the systems and methods described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims andtheir equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications aswould fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly,the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to theappended claims.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunctionwith a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood tobe applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described inthis section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatibletherewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or allof the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined inany combination, except combinations where at least some of suchfeatures and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is notrestricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protectionextends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the featuresdisclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination,of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimedcombination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and thecombination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of asubcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or describedin the specification in a particular order, such operations need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or thatall operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Otheroperations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionaloperations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or betweenany of the described operations. Further, the operations may berearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken inthe processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shownin the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the stepsdescribed above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, thefeatures and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above maybe combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all ofwhich fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, theseparation of various system components in the implementations describedabove should not be understood as requiring such separation in allimplementations, and it should be understood that the describedcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singleproduct or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novelfeatures are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages maybe achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, forexample, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure maybe embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or agroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, withinless than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. Asanother example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel”and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristicthat departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees,10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by thespecific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section orelsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims aspresented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or aspresented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpretedbroadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited tothe examples described in the present specification or during theprosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed asnon-exclusive.

1. (canceled)
 2. An infant bottle feeding system, comprising: an infantbottle having a chamber configured to receive a liquid therein; athermal cover extending continuously from a closed first end to an opensecond end, the thermal cover configured to extend over at least aportion of the infant bottle, the thermal cover comprising an outer walland an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall, a gap between theinner wall and the outer wall housing a phase change material; and abottom cover configured to removably couple to the thermal cover toclose the open second end of the thermal cover so that the infant bottleis completely enclosed between the thermal cover and the bottom cover.3. The system of claim 2, wherein the thermal cover extends along atleast a majority of a length of the infant bottle when the thermal coveris disposed over the infant bottle.
 4. The system of claim 2, whereinthe thermal cover extends along substantially an entire length of theinfant bottle when the thermal cover is disposed over the infant bottle.5. The system of claim 2, wherein the inner wall contacts the infantbottle when the thermal cover is disposed over the infant bottle.
 6. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the bottom cover includes a cavity configuredto receive at least a portion of the infant bottle therein.
 7. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the phase change material is in thermalcommunication with the inner wall, the phase change material configuredto absorb heat from the infant bottle to thereby cool the liquid in theinfant bottle when the thermal cover is disposed over the infant bottle.8. The system of claim 2, wherein the thermal cover further comprises anintermediate wall between the inner wall and the outer wall, theintermediate wall spaced from the inner wall to define a second gaptherebetween, the gap defined between the outer wall and theintermediate wall, the phase change material disposed in the second gap.9. The system of claim 8, wherein the gap between the outer wall and theintermediate wall is under vacuum.
 10. An infant bottle feeding system,comprising: an infant bottle having a chamber configured to receive aliquid therein; and a thermal cover extending continuously from a closedfirst end to an open second end, the thermal cover configured to extendover an entire length of the infant bottle, the thermal cover comprisingan outer wall and an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall, a gapbetween the inner wall and the outer wall housing a phase changematerial.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the phase change materialis in thermal communication with the inner wall, the phase changematerial configured to absorb head from the infant bottle to therebycool the liquid in the infant bottle.
 12. The system of claim 10,wherein the thermal cover further comprises an intermediate wall betweenthe inner wall and the outer wall, the intermediate wall spaced from theinner wall to define a second gap therebetween, the gap defined betweenthe outer wall and the intermediate wall, the phase change materialdisposed in the second gap.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the gapbetween the outer wall and the intermediate wall is under vacuum.
 14. Aninfant bottle feeding system, comprising: a thermal cover extendingcontinuously from a closed first end to an open second end, the thermalcover configured to extend over at least a portion of the infant bottle,the thermal cover comprising an outer wall and an inner wall spacedapart from the outer wall, a gap between the inner wall and the outerwall housing a phase change material; and a bottom cover configured toremovably couple to the thermal cover to close the open second end ofthe thermal cover so that the infant bottle is completely enclosedbetween the thermal cover and the bottom cover.
 15. The system of claim14, wherein the thermal cover is configured to extend along at least amajority of a length of the infant bottle when the thermal cover isdisposed over the infant bottle.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein thethermal cover is configured to extend along substantially an entirelength of the infant bottle when the thermal cover is disposed over theinfant bottle.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the bottom coverincludes a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the infantbottle therein.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein the phase changematerial is in thermal communication with the inner wall, the phasechange material configured to absorb heat from the infant bottle tothereby cool the liquid in the infant bottle when the thermal cover isdisposed over the infant bottle.
 19. The system of claim 14, wherein thethermal cover further comprises an intermediate wall between the innerwall and the outer wall, the intermediate wall spaced from the innerwall to define a second gap therebetween, the gap defined between theouter wall and the intermediate wall, the phase change material disposedin the second gap.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the gap betweenthe outer wall and the intermediate wall is under vacuum.
 21. The systemof claim 14, wherein the thermal cover includes one or more magnets.